‘She just had this urge to help’: Mom of 10’s family, friends continue Hamilton blanket drive in her memory

Marilyn Wright fondly remembers her close friend, Lucy Robinson, a mother of 10 who was known by many in their community. Robinson passed away at the age of 81 earlier this year, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew her.

“Lucy was a character,” Wright told CBC Hamilton. “She may have been tiny framed, but she had a big personality.”

Robinson was known for her laughter, jokes, and her commitment to giving back to her community. So, when Wright suggested organizing a blanket drive in her memory at her funeral, Robinson’s family quickly agreed.

The blanket drive is being coordinated by Wright and the Silver Voices Seniors group in collaboration with the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre (HRIC). Donations of blankets are being accepted until Dec. 17 at 34 Ottawa St. N.

“We wanted to honor her memory and continue her legacy of giving back,” Wright said.

Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Robinson was a member of the Michipicoten First Nation and had been a resident of Hamilton for 36 years. She passed away on Sept. 25.

“She was always helping someone in need,” Wright recalled.

Wright and Robinson became friends nearly a decade ago over their shared love for bingo. Despite not winning much, they enjoyed each other’s company.

“She used to bring this horseshoe to bingo for good luck, but it rarely worked,” Wright reminisced.

Described as funny, spontaneous, and adventurous, Robinson’s health began to decline after a fall that resulted in a broken ankle a few years ago. This loss of independence was difficult for someone who was always so self-reliant, according to Alesha Grant, one of Robinson’s many grandchildren.

In 2023, despite her declining health, Robinson organized a blanket drive for the HRIC to help those in need.

“It seems like she knew her time was coming and she wanted to make a difference one last time,” Grant said.

Robinson mobilized her children to collect blankets from family and friends, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping others.

Grant and her mother, Iona Virta, hope to turn the blanket drive into an annual tradition in honor of Robinson’s memory.

“It’s something she loved to do, and now we can do it for her,” Virta said.

Robinson’s love for second-hand shopping led her to operate her own thrift store, a passion that Grant fondly remembers. Despite her declining health, shopping with her family remained a cherished activity.

“She loved Giant Tiger,” Wright recalled. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Giant Tiger saw a decrease in sales after Lucy Robinson could no longer shop there.”

Robinson also had numerous great-grandchildren, and her partner, Al, passed away approximately six years ago.

“He treated her like gold,” Wright said of Al. “I know that she’s at peace now, reunited with him.”

Robinson’s legacy of generosity and kindness lives on through the blanket drive organized in her memory, a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to helping others.