Barb Gaal has a saying when she puts flowers together – you have heaven, man, and earth.
She showed us this technique as we sat at her home, talking about her many years volunteering in the community – something she still actively does.
Many will know Barb from her many years helping out at the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show.
She makes the beautiful centerpieces at the opening ceremonies but also really helped develop and grow many of the programs they have today.
Barb is always using her hands, whether it’s with flowers from the garden or with fabrics to make crafty items.
She would use these skills and go to area schools to get kids involved at the fair.
She shared with us that those moments meant something to the students, and she was thankful to be able to teach them.
Barb often talked about long days at work and coming home to the workshop to get things done for people in the community – whether it be the Lions, community groups, or just individuals looking for her skills.
She never regretted a missed meal to help people out.
She also took the initiative to go to funeral homes and ask for the flowers that were brought in for a service, as they often ended up in the garbage.
She would take those flower arrangements, break them down, and bring them to local retirement homes.
She continues to help out wherever she is needed and has no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Her full interview can be found below.