An Extra Hand

Linda began her entrepreneurial career in 2002 when she started her business, An Extra
Hand, with the help of the PARO self-employment program Gateway. The inspiration for
this business came from Linda’s desire to help people do what they don’t have the time to
do: gardening, organizing, cleaning and various other tasks.

In addition to building a successful business, Linda has always made time to give back
to the community. She has volunteered with McKellar Neighbourhood Policing for many
years, assisting with youth dances, fundraising and producing a cookbook and newsletters.

In 2005, Linda began her first term on the PARO Board of Directors and became involved
in the Action for Neighbourhood Change Project. This is where the seeds were planted
for her passion for grass roots organizations that nurture and improve women’s lives and
neighbourhoods. That project led to Evergreeen – A United Neighbourhood, which builds
capacity in the Simpson-Ogden area of Thunder Bay.

With the support and guidance of PARO, Linda has learned not only to build a successful
and sustainable business, but also how to start a non-profit group, board governance,
strategic planning, funding and mentorship. She looks forward to continuing to build on
those skills, and in the process, build her community.