Bolton woman recognized for 30 years of volunteering at Canadian Open

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A local woman was recently celebrated for her 30 years of volunteer service at a prestigious tennis tournament.

During this year's Canadian Open Tennis Tournament in Toronto, Helen Hydon of Bolton was recognized for 30 years of giving to the tournament. 

Hydon grew up playing tennis in the United Kingdom. 

“We all had a racquet and ball, as a kid, everybody played,” said Hydon, comparing it to the popularity of hockey in Canada.

From an early age, Hydon loved tennis, and continued playing when she moved to Canada. She's been a resident of Bolton for over 50 years, and was a teacher in Caledon East.

Hydon played tennis for her whole life recreationally and said she made many great friends through the sport. 

Hydon's volunteerism with Tennis Canada has been a great way for her to stay connected to the sport. 

Since she started volunteering at the Canadian Open, Hydon has helped out in the guest services department. It's a behind-the-scenes role that ensures visits from patrons go smoothly. Guest services volunteers at the tournament help with tickets, accessibility needs, answer guest questions and more.

Hydon said the volunteer work is nothing earth-shattering, but that all the volunteers' work comes together to make the event run smoothly.

Volunteers at the Canadian Open get a pin for every five years of volunteer service and Hydon still has all the pins she collected. When a volunteer reaches 30 years, a special ceremony is held. 

“I got an award and it was presented on the court, it was very nice,” said Hydon. “It was lovely.”

Hydon shared that each year between January and March, the search for volunteers for the Canadian Open Tennis Tournament begins. Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering at the Canadian Open can visit the following website: nationalbankopen.com/volunteers

Hydon is also a volunteer at Bethell Hospice, which is where she met Caledon's Peel District School Board (PDSB) trustee Stan Cameron. 

Cameron is the one who brought Hydon's story to the Citizen, and said she deserves to be recognized because she's such a sweet and giving person.

At Bethell Hospice, Hydon volunteers in the kitchen, making food for hospice residents and guests and assisting with kitchen cleaning duties.

Hydon said Bethell Hospice is a beautiful place at which to volunteer.