Art of Living participant accentuates the positive Brantford resident fundraises for residents' council, charities   Wednesday June 2, 2010 -- Lisa Bailey Every morning and afternoon John Sampson is there, manning the tuck shop cart and/or selling 50-50 and raffle tickets in the lobby of Leisureworld Caregiving Centre Brantford. He says it’s a “nice way to pass the time,” as well as “meet people and have fun with them,” while raising money for the long-term care home’s residents’ council and various charities. “If I’ve got to sit, I might as well sit with the cart out and do something to help out with activities,” Sampson says. “I’d rather be doing something that some people will benefit from, and I enjoy doing it.” This fundraising work is one example of how Sampson strives to help others wherever he can — a quality that has earned him a spot at Leisureworld’s Art of Living Exhibit. Set for June 24-26 in Toronto, the second annual event will showcase Leisureworld residents who possess an artistic talent or admirable inner attributes. “John has been a wonderful addition to our home,” states the application to include Sampson in the exhibit. Arriving at Leisureworld Brantford about 16 months ago, Sampson has gone out of his way to learn about everyone who comes into the home, from residents to volunteers. “He is always positive, has a great smile and is calm in his approach to everyone,” the application notes. Sampson describes the home as a “super, super place” with great people. “I have fun with all the residents and staff,” he says, welcoming them, for example, to listen to him play his acoustic guitar. That is, “if they can stand it,” the native of Cape Breton Island says with a laugh. Sampson jokes that he doesn’t play guitar but plays “with it,” and only knows a few songs — all with the same three chords. This sense of humour, coupled with a natural charm, make Sampson a “master salesman at the tuck shop and our No. 1 fundraiser,” program manager Shelley Ryan states. Sampson has collected money for a range of organizations, from the Canadian Cancer Society to the Children’s Wish Foundation to the Haitian earthquake relief effort. In June, he will join the home’s team for the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike Ride. “I thought it would be fun,” he says, adding he’s collected about $185 for the cause and exercises daily in preparation for his first-ever ride aboard the 29-seat bike. When Sampson first came to the home, he was in a wheelchair. But through hard work and determination, he’s now able to walk on his own or with a walker. He’s embraced his new lifestyle by being active in all aspects of the home. He participates in various activities, is vice-president of the residents’ council and sits on the food committee. Sampson helps in simpler ways, too, such as escorting fellow residents to their rooms or assisting them with a task. “It helps them out and I feel good for doing it,” he says. If you have feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.ca.