Accountants may deal with clients for many years and get to know them well. Dick’s clients vary in economic background from those with modest incomes to wealthy individuals. Immigrants, including those from Iran, Portugal, India and Surinam, are among Dick’s most interesting clients because he gets to know their culture as well as their finances. In 1983, Dick joined the board and became president of the Penticton District Society for Community Living. The society serves individuals with physical or development disabilities by providing community-based day and residential supports, affordable housing and education. Dick also served on the board of the national association for community living for 10 years, including a few years as vice president. Broadening his scope, Dick chaired Inclusion International, a global federation of organizations advocating for the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. “I came to the realization that handicapped people are more like us than not. In fact they are us,” Dick said. Joanne worked as a registered nurse at various locations in the BC Interior before joining the Kelowna and District Society for Community Living in 1985. Five years later she married Dick and began helping him in the office while maintaining her involvement with community living groups. In 1997, she traveled across the country as part of national task force under the auspices of the Canadian Association of Community Living to examine homelessness. They met with anyone who knew of a homeless person or of someone who could become homeless. The task force noticed that nationwide there were always shelters for men but few for women. “There’s been an increasing awareness, especially on the part of professionals, of the impact of homelessness on society. It’s not just a poverty issue,” Joanne said. In 2000, Joanne spearheaded the formation of the Shilgne Society (pronounced ‘shile’), an incorporated non-profit society. “We deliberately do not have a mandate, except simply to help people,” she said. Penticton lawyer and Shilgne member Robert Wahl says the society assists the less fortunate who might otherwise fall through the cracks. For example, one Shilgne member is assisting men who are coming out of prison. “It’s a hands-on approach of going with the individual to support him or her so they have their needs met,” Joanne explained. These needs can be navigating the medical system, helping with disability or immigration applications, finding a place to live or resolving a conflict between schools and families and children. Joanne tells the story of a 7-year old boy with disruptive behaviour that she was asked to assist. When she started taking him to school, she quickly realized he was hungry. “I began bringing him a banana and milk,” she said. “And then I learned his lunch was chips and a coke so I brought him lunch too.” Within a few months, teachers noticed a significant improvement in his behaviour. “You’re looking at it,” said Dick when asked about financial support for the group. There are other contributors but Dick has been a mainstay. Joanne is also working with the recently formed Penticton and Area Cooperative Enterprises that helps mentally ill individuals find employment. “It’s important to listen, be kind and preserve each person’s dignity,” Joanne said, reflecting on her work with the less advantaged in society. The Calkins’ personal goals start with staying active. “People who keep themselves busy tend to forget about themselves and live longer, healthier lives,” Dick said.