Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

CHESTERFIELD INLET (May 06/98) - Lori Lagasse is anxious to help where she can.

The new graduate of the University of Winnipeg just arrived in Chesterfield Inlet last week to begin volunteer work at the home for the disabled operated by the Catholic Church.

She is one of three volunteers staying at the home and one of many to have helped out there over the years.

"I look forward to taking care of the residents," she said.

Lagasse, who just finished a psychology and developmental studies degree, heard about the home from Sister Vermette of the Grey Nuns in Winnipeg.

She had received word from Vermette after the nun read a story about Lagasse in Mon Frere Et Moi (My Brother and I) magazine about her interest in missionary work.

"I've always worked with the disabled and my brother has Down's Syndrome," she said. "I want to work with different cultures and I want to help people."

The enthusiastic 21-year-old said she looks forward to learning a great deal in Chesterfield Inlet. "I've never been North, but I'm interested in learning," she said.

Sister Vicky of Rankin Inlet, who frequently travels to Chesterfield Inlet, said that the volunteer work done at the home is much appreciated and makes quite a difference for the nuns who live there.

"It's nice to have these people who come and give their time free," she said. "The Bishop pays their way up here, but they are volunteers."

While she isn't sure how many volunteers have spent time at the home over the decades that the home has been open, she estimates it's more than a couple dozen.

"We have had volunteers for many years -- some for a few months, some for a few years," she said.

Lagasse, who was also a volunteer at a home in Winnipeg, said she will enjoy her time in Chesterfield Inlet.

"I volunteered at the St. Amant Centre and they told me it (Chesterfield Inlet home) was like a miniature St. Amant," she said. "I'm looking forward to the people I will meet and learning the different culture -- the experience."