As a leader for more than 50 years, Ellen Murphy has been called the heart and soul of Pictou County’s Hillside Girls Club.
She is now teaching the children and grandchildren of many of her original club members and says she’s noticed a few changes in the girls, compared to when she first started at the club.
“More of the mothers back in those days did sew and knit and crochet and all those things, but now a lot of the mothers don’t do that, and when we come they’re really learning something new,” says Murphy.
Club members donate some of their craftwork to charities like the SPCA because Murphy wants the girls to think of others.
“She’s the heart and soul of this club,” says leader Dorothy Munro. “You couldn’t find a better person. Her heart’s right into it and she really cares.”
More than 50 girls have registered this year, bringing the total number of members to 2,000 since the club began. Other leaders and parents credit Murphy for the club’s success.
“She’s the first one here every Monday night and the last one to leave,” says leader Sandra Hattie. “If there’s anything to be done, Ellen’s going to be the one that’s going to take the bull by the horns and really see to it.”
One thing Murphy doesn’t allow at meetings is cellphones or other mobile devices.
“We don’t allow those. Those screens are not allowed here,” she says. “They’re put in their pocket or put away…they love to do their work.”
After 50 years as a leader, Murphy says working with the girls still makes her feel young.
“Because I love the girls, I just love being here with them,” she says. “You feel that they’re all your children.”
Congratulations to Ellen Murphy, our Maritimer of the Week!
If you know someone deserving of our Maritimer of the Week award, we want to hear about it.
It doesn’t matter how old they are, the nature of the good deed they’ve done, or what part of the region they live in – we want your ideas!
Please send your nomination to:
maritimer@ctv.ca
or
Maritimer of the Week
P.O. Box 1653
Halifax, N.S.
B3J 2Z4
