Work We've Done

Since beginning Operation Organize in 2001 many successful events have been staged by Helen Jane Dowd and associates. These include:

Co-Chair - Community Volunteer Workshop – Knollcrest Lodge (2011)

Hired to create a new inclusive workshop for National Volunteer Week that motivated and inspired 75 volunteers from over 30 local organizations.

Chairperson – Milverton Agricultural Society’s 150th Anniversary Building Project (2010 - present)

Responsible for the planning, fundraising, grant writing, and marketing for a new $ 370,000 agricultural building, the most ambitious project in the 148 years of the society. To date $250,000 has been raised and the building was completed in June 2011.

Co-Chair – Huron Perth Lakers Golf Tournament (2010 - present)

In addition to serving as secretary on the Lakers executive, was co-chair for the inaugural golf tournament which marked the 15th anniversary of this premium AAA hockey club. Managed a committee of eight creating a profitable and successful celebration for 80 participants.

Chairperson – Milverton Rodeo Committee (2009 - present)

Duties include overseeing a committee of 12 sub-chairs, all event coordination, public relations and collaborating with the promoter (Ram Rodeo Group) to manage Ontario’s longest-consecutively running rodeo.

Co-Creator - Stratford Perth County Community Foundation’s (SPCCF) Signature Event: The Mayor’s Gala (2009) Hired by SPCCF to research and report all fundraising/community events that took place in Perth County in 2008 and then recommended what is a highly successful and profitable signature event for the Foundation.

President/Vice-President - Milverton Agricultural Society (2006-2009)

Responsible for four Milverton Fairs from 2006 to 2009, arranged all entertainment, coordinated the schedule of events and managed volunteers while dealing with media relations. While Helen was president of the Board, two new initiatives were launched: Milverton’s Earth Day and the weekly Milverton Farmers’ Market which are both still operating. Vice-president duties included launching the logo redesign, choosing corporate colours, directing the website creation and overseeing all print and radio promotions to establish a “brand”.

An Evening to Celebrate International Women's Day (annual since 2007)

A gala event created to celebrate womanhood and raise funds for the Helen Barker Scholarship with over 300 women in attendance each year, this event sells-out due to the quality of speakers, entertainment and fabulous food. The theme for the 2011 event was "5th Avenue".

Lloyd Ogilive Memorial Synchronized Skating Competition (2006)

Six months was spent planning this two-day event which took coordinating the combined efforts of 20 sub-chairs. Together we hosted 1,200 competitors and welcomed 3,400 visitors while raising $ 16,000 profit for our community.

"After 50 + years of judging and officiating at competitions I have never worked with a committee that was as organized as yours. For a group that had never done anything like this before you were more than amazing. You have set the bar very high for others to reach.” - Mary Burdon, Chief Technical Representative, 2006 Lloyd Ogilvie Memorial

Milverton's Annual Demolition Derby (2006-200)

The Demolition Derby is organized as an afternoon of family entertainment for the community. It is co-hosted by the Milverton Lions Club and the Milverton Agricultural Society.

“Working with Helen on various volunteer community projects has been very rewarding. Her organizational skills and enthusiasm have made the events run smoothly and efficiently with little to no glitches from the inception of the idea to the cleanup at the end of the day. Helen will go the extra mile to get ideas on how our local events may be enhanced. When Helen is organizing an event, it will turn out better than expected!” - Ed Hasenpflug, Co-Chair – (2006-2009) Milverton Demolition Derby, Milverton, ON

Other events we've planned:

• McKay 2010 Reunion
• Stratford Perth County Community Foundation Event Research Project, Spring 2009
• Milverton Rodeo, 2009 & 2010
• Huron-Perth “Forbidden Ride” Motorcycle Weekend, May 2009
• Milverton Fair - as Vice President 2006 & 2007 and President, 2008 & 2009
• Earth Day – Milverton, 2008 & 2009
• A Community Christmas Cantata, December 2006 & December 2008
• Zorra Highland Park Public School, Class of '82, 25 Year Public School Reunion, May 2007
• 30th Anniversary of Milverton Co-operative Nursery School, October 2004
• 50th Anniversary Carnival of Milverton Skating Club, March 2003
• Woodstock Collegiate Institute, Class of ’87, 15 Year High School Reunion, May 2002