For Lisa Campbell, what initially began as a volunteering role in helping her daughter’s figure skating club, has turned into a fruitful journey in helping many sporting organizations and committees across the County of Brant.
Campbell, who continues to relish her contributing her time to several organizations, detailed the beginnings of her volunteerism.
“I originally started when my daughter was in Burford Figure Skating Club…. they needed new people at the club, so I decided to join their board and started helping there. I’ve always been interested in helping people and wanting to be involved so it was a natural transition. At that time, I didn’t realize it would evolve into being such a big part of my life,” Campbell said.
Campbell’s daughter would then become part of the Paris Figure Skating Club (PFSC), Campbell moved as well, and eventually becoming President there in 2018. She has made important contributions to the club over the years.
“”The club was officially incorporated in the 1970s, but the original letters of patent were lost. It took me two years to track down the necessary information and get our club’s records up to date. So, we’re now all up to date with the government. Also, we worked hard to develop policies and procedures. So, if somebody quits the board, those policies and procedures will live on as living document,” she said. “Another highlight was the club celebrating its 60th anniversary. We had a lot of the alumni at the event [as well as] Donna Mason, one of the founding members and Ann Moore, an original executive member. It was so enlightening to chat with them and have them there.”
In 2017, Campbell would then join the Brantford Track and Field Club (BTFC) and has been a member since.
“My daughter would then transition from figure skating to track and field, and I found out that they were really needing some people to volunteer. They had a very small board at that time, so I think they just knew I was a willing and able to contribute. The club does have a long history of runners who have done well, but my daughter is actually a thrower, so we had many years where our throws program was doing very well,” Campbell noted. “A lot of those athletes were ranked very high in Canada…and some of which moved on to scholarships at universities in both Canada and the US. Unfortunately, due to not having any training facilities, it wasn’t able to flourish…[but] our running program continues to grow, and it’s still doing very well.”
Campbell has also relished her time with the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition, recently becoming Vice Chair of the Sports Hall Alliance Board. She reflected on being part of induction ceremonies over the years, which is one of her favourite aspects of the hall.
“Those induction ceremonies are always amazing to be a part of, and to be there to listen to the athletes’ stories. I’m touched by so many of them, especially when they talk about the parents and coaches who helped them grow as people and athletes,” she said. “And for me, it all ties back to the foundations built at local organizations that I have been a part of, like the Brantford Track and Field Club and the Paris Figure Skating Club, where their unique journeys began. And some of those people who have gone on to become professionals, Canadian champions, and Olympians.”
However, Campbell touched on the Olympic digital display that was unveiled in the summer of 2025.
“Rick Mannen [fellow board member] and I did a lot of the research for that display, and getting it up and running was a very special moment. It’s an honor to recognize the people who’ve reached the highest levels of sport—the Olympics, Paralympics, and Special Olympics. It a long time to find those who would be showcased on the display, and it’s a great place for our community to learn about that history,” she said. “Also, it’s amazing to see how the hall has evolved overall…the previous sports hall was a little nook…and now it’s this massive, beautiful space with digital touch screens and a place where kids can interact with so many different displays. Guests can see the memorabilia on display and experience our sports history. Brantford of course is known for Wayne Gretzky, but we have all of these great athletes that are recognized and showcased here, which is great to see.”
Nevertheless, Campbell who also has been part of the community in various roles with the County of Brant, reinforces the importance of volunteers.
“None of these organizations can happen without volunteers…they need people to keep continuing to step up, to make sure there are opportunities for kids now and in the future. Because being involved in sport is so much more than just learning to play the sport. It’s about the friends they make, and learning important skills that they will have through their lives. And being a volunteer provides that opportunity for everyone in our communities to experience that,” she said.
