While the origin of the quote “If you want something done, ask a busy person” is attributed to a few people, there’s no question of its rightful place when the conversation focuses on Patricia (Pat) Hooper.
Several organizations in Peterborough have benefited from Pat’s personal commitment to making a lasting, and positive change. As one nominator puts it, Pat is “truly selfless when she commits to something, and [her] tenacity to get the job done is second to none.”
Twenty years ago, when she served as Chair of the annual United Way campaign while working at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Pat spearheaded that appeal to a total of just under $2 million – a record up to that time. Committed wholly to the organization, Pat later became chair of the United Way of Peterborough and District Board of Directors, as well as the Central Eastern Ontario representative on the board of the United Ways of Ontario.
Further, Pat has served in leadership roles with a number of community organizations, her fingerprints leaving a lasting impression on the success of each. The Rotary Club of Peterborough, the Festival of Trees, Community Care Peterborough and the Community Counseling and Resource Centre have each benefited from Pat’s determination to leave an organization in better standing than it was when she arrived.
In addition, Pat has volunteered with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Fairhaven, the Canadian Canoe Museum, the Peterborough Foundation, Peterborough Musicfest and the Peterborough Scottish Country Dancers, and is currently Chair of the Board of Showplace Peterborough.
With a volunteer resume that is as long as the thirty years it covers, Pat, as one supporter writes, “is remarkably personal and upbeat…her passion for people and the community make her a highly-sought volunteer and a friend to all the organizations she supports.”