UPPER HAMMONDS PLAINS, N.S. — Gina Jones-Wilson, affectionately known by members of her community as Mrs. G, is a pillar of Upper Hammonds Plains, N.S.
Not only was she the first female African Nova Scotian volunteer firefighter, inspiring countless women to strive for their goals, but she has dedicated more than 40 years of volunteerism to her community. Serving as a mentor and advocate for all those living in Upper Hammonds Plains, Jones-Wilson says the years of volunteerism are worth it to see her community thrive.
When Jones-Wilson noticed gaps in her community, such as not having access to public transit and folks missing out on activities held in Halifax, she knew something had to be done. At just 17, Jones-Wilson started the Upper Hammonds Plains Recreation Association, which would later grow to become the Upper Hammonds Plains Development Association, an organization that exists to serve residents of the small community, providing access to services and programs that are vital to community success.
Housed in what used to be a segregated school, UHPDA is a beloved community centre that supports everyone from children and youth all the way up to the town’s senior citizens. Jones-Wilson acts as a liaison between the community, Halifax Regional Municipality and the provincial government regarding programs and activities in areas such as housing, health and education.
Jones-Wilson says the most important goal is looking out for the next generation and promoting the importance of education. When Jones-Wilson graduated high school, only five per cent of her age group went on to university, she says.
Congratulations Gina Jones-Wilson #hammondsplains Citizen of the Year! #givesback #volunteer @therealLJA @BenJessome pic.twitter.com/w3UGYEVz8P
— Hammonds Plains (@HammondsPlains) August 16, 2016
“Now, there are kids who go through our program and go on to become doctors, lawyers, and accountants,” she says.
The association strives to make sure every child in Upper Hammonds Plains knows they have the potential to do anything they set their mind to do.
Jones-Wilson was recently named one of 10 nominees for the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Award Program, which honours extraordinary women who make a difference in their communities. Jones-Wilson was nominated for her involvement in leading the UHPDA.
“I am honoured to have been chosen as one of the ten honorees,” says Jones-Wilson. “I look forward to meeting the other ladies and using the opportunity to do some networking.”
Each nominee of the Women of Worth program was awarded $10,000 for their non-profit organization, and following a public vote, the winner will be awarded an additional $10,000 on March 8. Jones-Wilson says the initial $10,000 will be vital in allowing the organization to continue offering affordable programs and activities such as leadership programming for girls, summer camps, seniors programs, as well as offering new programs, like a youth bus trip to Washington DC scheduled for this summer.
Being named the winner would only make things twice as amazing, she says.
“No matter how small your organization is, you never know how many people it’s going to impact,” says Jones-Wilson. “I am overwhelmed to be nominated from such a small community and have someone recognize the hard work we do here.”
