It’s Community Builders Day, presented by Butchart Water Supplies. We are profiling Joyce Lichtenberger.
Joyce’s signature saying is, “Peace is possible, it starts with being nice to people.” She tells us this saying especially rings through today during the COVID-19 pandemic; that it can be applied to many places because if we can be kind to one another, we can find a peaceful resolution.
She’s been chosen as a Community Builder because of the ways she continues to give back through fundraising for the community.
From a musical event and fundraiser called, “It Takes a Village”, that supported the funding of medication for 2-year-old Frank Nabert junior and raised over $8000.
She also fundraised for an event called, “No One Fights Alone” that paid for cancer medication for 24-year-old Nathan Kelly, where The Lions Center donated the hall (and they filled it!), raising $25,000 in one night!
She says these fundraisers are made possible because of generous help of many local bands, such as Madmanʼs Window, The Spirits, Mike Kelly, Garage Dog, Tyler Cochrane, and Greatest of Ease. And adds that the community of musicians that they are so blessed to be a part of answers her call for help and made these and many more successful fundraisers happen.
After all, she too is part of a band called “Urban Angel” – she says that they are forever grateful for all the great memories they have because of this community faithfully supporting their band for the past 26 years!
Joyce also donates her time at Green Wood Coalition, saying their work makes them heroes of our community.
She also contributed to the Northumberland Counseling Centre’s fundraiser and continues to raise money in Bill Patchett’s memory for the cause.
Bill dedicated his life to caring for his community, and the world at large, with a zest for life and love of people, his philanthropy and his extensive fundraising.
You could say she’s following in his footsteps.
Joyce says it’s important to give back to our community – that it’ll come back to you; that helping our community grow helps all of us grow and gives us all new resources to take care of one another.
Coming from the United States, she says her family is so grateful to have found their home in Cobourg 30 years ago. Her husband Perry and herself are very thankful for their daughter-in-law and their son-in-law and their three beautiful Grandchildren. And she adds that all of them are so grateful to call Northumberland, and specifically Cobourg, home.
Joyce adds that York Bell-Smith doing the Classic Rock Restock is one of the most grass-roots, small-town-proud, hands-on community spirit she’s ever seen – that it brings her to tears when they drop off donations.
Hear our full interview with Joyce Lichtenberger and what makes her a Community Builder by clicking the audio link below.
