Elaine Knowlson
Quota International of Orillia, ONT

Elaine Knowlson has been a member of Quota International of Orillia since 1983—she received her 20-year member pin this past winter. During her time with Quota, Elaine served as a director on the Executive Board. In addition, she is a great worker for the fund-raising committee—she chaired the box lunch fund-raiser from 1984-2002. When she took over in 1984, she doubled sales from 1,000 to 2,000 lunches. She has been on the program committee and has been involved in skits—playing the part of Queen Elizabeth, a jester, and even a ballerina. Elaine sews bibs for Quota Teddy Bears, organizes the Quota Golf Tournament, and is always in the background for fund-raisers. Elaine was on the original board of directors for Greenhaven Shelter for Women and was involved in their efforts to obtain funding for a home for abused women. Elaine was an original board member for the Orillia Breast Cancer Support group and has been a volunteer at the Mariposa Folk Festival, which was brought home to Orillia three years ago. Elaine has also worked as a volunteer with the Red Cross, now the Canadian Blood Services, as a telephone reminder person and kitchen helper. She is very proud to have donated 102 pints of blood, a great achievement for a female. Elaine is a faithful volunteer at her church. She is involved with the Catholic Women's League and has served as chairperson for their annual bazaar as well as organizing the Country Store table for ten years. In addition, she makes the baptismal stoles for every baby baptized in four parishes—more than 150 stoles. Elaine also has a group of senior women that she takes shopping, to doctor's appointments, and out for lunch. She has done laundry for one 98-year-old woman for 26 years. Elaine is retired after spending 25 years as a well-respected insurance broker. For all of her outstanding volunteer service, Quota International of Orillia honors Elaine Knowlson.