Social Capital
Leslie Bullock didn’t invent the phrase “Social capital”, I will bet there is a picture of her beside the definition in the dictionary.
Social capital is the sense and the sum of our connections. Many studies show that social capital relates strongly with one’s positive overall feelings, physical and mental health and increased productivity.
Murray McLaughlin once sang, (appropriately in “The Farmers Song”) “These days when everyone’s taking so much, there’s someone giving back in”.
The traditional places to feel some connections are no longer as vibrant as they once were. There is a historic low in union memberships, religious attendance and voting is pathetic in general elections, to name a few.
This is why social capital is even more important. We need more social engagement, not less. More community affairs which help our shared sense of identity and reciprocity to give us that connection that makes us kinder, gentler and invested. To see and know that someone is out there, helping for the right reasons and not for financial or personal gain is a comforting feeling.
Leslie Bullock makes me feel this way and has ever since I met her. Doing a little research has told me a bigger story. I found out she has been around it her whole life. She was inspired by her parents, Aldershot legends Reg Bullock and wife Margaret in giving back to our community. They received the Aldershot Community Honour roll in 2007 as a couple. Reg says “that volunteering has always been a accepted part of our lives. The satisfaction you get far exceeds the effort you put into any project.”
Leslie’s accomplishments and acts of kindness are a testament as to how one person, in one lifetime, can do so much. There are an exhausting list of initiatives and community efforts that Leslie has performed.
They include throughout her career: Citizen of the year ’06, Chair or Vice Chair of Carpenter Hospice, part of the Children’s Miracle Network, Co-chair Plains Road Village Vision Committee since ’99, Executive Member of Aldershot Community Council, Past President Art Centre, Past member of Mayors Youth Advisory Striking committee, member and former chair of East Plains Road United Church and past longtime volunteer at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
She recently started an initiative that addressed the cold feet of our homeless community to great success called The Sock Drive. Encouraging our residents to donate extra socks they don’t use. Leslie’s ongoing and much anticipated Yard Sale for the Cure that happens every summer has raised over $100,000 so far. Car rallies for Green Angels helping under privileged children. She continues adding gems to the Aldershot Historic Facebook page, even on her RE/MAX newsletter, she lets everyone know about upcoming community events, helpful hints and sage wisdom every Friday. Another popular event is The Sister Sircle, bringing women entrepreneurs as guest speakers, talking about good messages regarding health, wealth and happiness. Leslie has organized an annual “Jane’s Walk in the spring. It is a worldwide event, totally inspired by Jane Jacobs encouraging people to share stories about their neighborhood. Leslie also hosts a little library in the driveway for anyone to leave or take a book. Included is a small seed share tin. The latest is her involvement in Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue spending her time getting her hands dirty volunteering in the horse barns.
In conclusion, Leslie is that person who is trying to contribute to the overall community spirit by helping to build a more cohesive and compassionate society. As Yannick Beaudolin, one of the Directors of The David Suzuki Foundation said in his latest newsletter “When we value connections to each other and nature, we all live better. Let’s reimagine communities to increase wellbeing and build vibrant societies that benefit everyone
Thanks to people like Leslie Bullock, we are.
Sincerely
Joseph Slomka
Aldershot 2021