When the team at Newmarket Mission Thrift Store learned that one of their most dedicated volunteers would be competing in the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, they knew they had to do something.
Volunteer Ruby Lappin is heading to the national games in Calgary to compete in curling through Special Olympics Ontario, and Newmarket Mission Thrift Store wanted to celebrate the massive accomplishment for the young athlete.
Led by Liz Croft, manager of the store, the team decided to put together a surprise party on Friday afternoon to show Lappin how much she means to them and how proud they are of her.
“As your Newmarket Mission Thrift Store family, we want to honour you and be behind you 100 per cent,” said Croft to Lappin as the store presented her with a new curling broom.
Lappin spends three days a week volunteering at Newmarket Mission Thrift Store and has become an integral and beloved part of the team.
“She gives back to us tenfold,” said Croft. “She gives her time and energy back to the thrift store for our community and our mission and we wanted to support her because she’s part of this family.”
“I just feel so happy that all my family at Mission Thrift Store is here,” Lappin added.
A multi-sport athlete in gymnastics, golf, basketball, and curling, Lappin has also been given the title of Motionball honorary athlete, representing the non-profit leading up to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.
Lappin has been involved with Special Olympics Ontario for six years and this will be her first time on the national stage, and she can’t wait to arrive in Calgary.
“I’m so excited to see all my friends,” said Lappin. “I can’t wait to play.”
The whole team at Newmarket Mission Thrift Store is going to be supporting her from back home in Newmarket, said Croft.
“It’s going to be amazing,” said Croft. “We’re going to be posting this all over social media. Ruby has worked really hard for this.”
