Be the Change You Want to See

By Jennifer Beard

Judy Wells has been part of the heartbeat of Deloraine for a long time. Since arriving in 1999, she has woven herself into the fabric of the community through steady, joyful volunteer work. She gives her time to the Ladies 2000 Club, the Deloraine Border Festival, the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society, St. Antoninus Catholic Church, and Deloraine & Area Donor’s Choice. For Judy, volunteering isn’t something she picked up later in life—it’s something she’s done since she was about ten years old. Her parents were dedicated volunteers, and she simply grew up believing that helping out was what you did. When she moved to Deloraine, volunteering became her way of meeting people, learning the community, and settling in. It’s always been her natural way of connecting.

What keeps Judy going after all these years is the feeling that volunteering just fits. It feels right to give back. She loves being part of a group, working toward something meaningful, and seeing people come together—whether it’s a room full of seniors or a crowd of excited kids. She talks about the energy that fills a space when people gather for any reason at all. That shared spark is something she never gets tired of.

Her volunteer work has also shaped her understanding of the region. Judy has spent 35 years reporting on communities across southeast Saskatchewan and southwest Manitoba in the newspaper industry, covering Melita, Reston, Souris, Redvers, Boissevain, and Deloraine. That experience taught her how interconnected the communities really are. Years ago, each town operated more or less on its own, but she’s watched that shift. Now, communities rely on each other, share services, and think regionally. Judy has been thinking that way for decades. She’s always been aware that what happens in one place affects the others, and she carries that perspective into her volunteer work.

When she talks about what makes Deloraine-Winchester special, she lights up. She sees a region with a long history of excellence—strong medical services, solid schools, thriving arts, deep agricultural roots, impressive sports achievements, and resilient businesses. But more than anything, she sees people. Mentors. Helpers. Leaders. Neighbours who step up and pass the torch to the next generation. In her eyes, people are the greatest resource the area has.

One of the moments that stands out most for Judy is watching young people she once worked with grow into adults who now volunteer themselves. Seeing them give back with their own time and skills reminds her why she does this. She also loves seeing projects come full circle—ideas that started small becoming something real and lasting. And she’s proud when volunteers step into leadership roles, organize committees, and inspire others. Those moments show her that the work matters.

Judy believes volunteers are the backbone of the RM. Every person brings something different—skills, perspectives, connections, energy. Some lead from the front, some quietly support from behind the scenes, and some offer specialized talents that make all the difference. To her, the community was built by volunteers, and its future depends on them. It truly takes a village.

When she encourages someone to volunteer or move to the RM, she does it with warmth. She tells them it’s the best way to meet people and learn about the area. There’s something for everyone, and every idea, talent, and skill is welcome. She also knows what helps people say yes: knowing their ideas will be accepted, finding ways to involve younger families, and helping people understand why their contribution matters. And above all, volunteers need to feel appreciated.

Looking ahead, Judy plans to stay involved however she can. Mobility challenges mean her role looks different now, but she’s embraced leadership more than ever. She sees a future where collaboration becomes even more important, especially as population numbers stay steady and long-standing volunteers age out or burn out. Some traditional organizations may need to unite. Communities will need to stay open-minded, welcome newcomers, and adapt to changing times. She believes strongly in encouraging tradespeople and supporting local graduates who want to learn a trade and return home to work. And she sees technology as something the region must fully embrace, with opportunities to train people who can bring those skills back to the community.

Through all of this, Judy remains steady, hopeful, and committed. Her story is one of quiet leadership, deep roots, and a lifelong belief that giving back strengthens everyone. In Deloraine, she’s not just a volunteer—she’s part of the reason the community feels like home.