Hamilton’s Citizen of the Year Carole MacVicar ‘gives gift of hope’ to those she meets

Ask Hamilton's Citizen of the Year why she left her job 24 years ago to devote herself to volunteering to help others, and she reacts as though the question never crossed her mind.

For Carole MacVicar, it's not complicated. It's like asking a thirsty person why they take the cup.

I saw a lot of poverty, people not being taken care of, and I thought: why not? I should be doing that. And then I just kept going."

MacVicar said she was shocked to learn she would receive the honour from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. She will be presented with the award at a gala March 29, among others receiving recognition.

She is a founder and executive director of the Inner City Outreach Ministry, run out of the Eva Rothwell Centre on Wentworth Street North, just south of Burlington Street East in the Keith neighbourhood.

The ministry was founded 30 years ago by MacVicar, along with her husband Don, when they started a night basketball club and three boys showed up.

Today the ministry has more than 300 youth and adults in programs offering activities including craft nights, Bible studies, family dinners, and a winter retreat.

Ministry is the key word for MacVicar; faith her fuel.

Growing up in Stoney Creek, her mom worked in the offices of Stelco before she stayed at home to raise the three kids. Her dad, a post office worker, read the Bible to the family each night at supper.

Just over 35 years ago, MacVicar met her future husband at her church, Cheyne Presbyterian.

Don grew up in the North End and was attending a service as a visitor. He saw 26-year-old Carole at the front of the church singing with her two sisters. The trio often crooned songs like Reconcile" (We are reconciled, and we stand complete in Jesus, a new creation/Old things are passed away/And all things have been made brand new.)

I had a crush on her and asked her out for a year and a half," said Don. She had a beautiful voice. I saw her sing and that was it."

The couple lives in Stoney Creek but centred the ministry in the heart of Hamilton's old industrial area. They were influenced by a minister named Helen Allum, whose parents had been captains in the Salvation Army, and who had a congregation in the North End.

One day, Saint Helen," as Don called her, drove them around, showed them people needed help.

Carole had been working as a secretary in her church but quit to embrace her calling as a full-time volunteer.

Among those who wrote letters nominating MacVicar for the award was Shelina Knight, who called MacVicar the type of person you meet once in your lifetime," who influenced her when she was growing up.

Carole cultivates a social ecology that builds resilience in the face of adversity," wrote Knight. One of the gifts Carole gives every youth she meets is hope. She sees a future you never imagine possible, and helps you get there."

One of MacVicar's favourite programs is distributing 150 hampers at Christmastime. Years ago, she delivered to a woman struggling with addiction, living on the edge in the core.

Over time, she witnessed that woman turn her life around, and ultimately volunteer as a babysitter in the ministry's mom's and babies group. It is the program that perhaps means the most to MacVicar.

Carole and Don never had children. At least not in the traditional sense.

I love working with the moms, and so I have had multiple children," she said, her voice tinged with joy.

Jon Wells is a feature writer at The Spectator. jwells@thespec.com