Volunteer Spotlight

Joanna Nakeff

This month we are excited to honor long-time TREE Fund volunteer, Joanna Nakeff! Jo is known and loved by all as the one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable “Mama Care Bear” to many a Tour des Trees rider. Since 2007 Jo has joined Team Canada on the Tour as a full-time volunteer, filling bottles, giving hugs, ringing cowbells and doing everything in her power to ensure that every rider ends each day with a smile (and a piece of Canadian candy)! But maybe her most important role is making sure that the rolling office of Tour Director, Paul Wood, stays plugged in and on top of the many moving parts during the ride each day.

Jo gives new meaning to being a Tour des Trees volunteer. Not only does she spend the week creating a great experience for Tour riders, she is also commonly found supporting local coffee shops, engaging with community members and encouraging the volunteer support team (usually through hugs, candy, and her lovely Joanna smile). Our Tour des Trees family wouldn’t be the same without Mama Care Bear at the helm. We can’t wait for that big hug in Nashville this September, Jo!

To suggest someone for the Spotlight, contact Teresa Recchia.

Click here for the complete, August 2019 issue of TREE Press.