Meet Brenda Brand

Brenda Brand and her husband, snowbirds from Canada, were initially drawn to Stuart for its quaint small-town atmosphere, vibrant surf culture, and robust infrastructure. Having owned a home here for over a decade, Brenda's journey into community engagement began when she attended the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Lecture Series, where she found herself captivated by the speakers' insights.

Inspired by the lectures, Brenda sought out volunteer opportunities to address the litter she often encountered during her beach walks. After participating in a virtual volunteer session in 2021, she discovered a meaningful way to make a difference for the environment. With a passion for the beach and a commitment to environmental stewardship, Brenda has dedicated over 200 volunteer hours to cleaning up debris left behind by the tide or visitors.

One of Brenda's greatest joys in volunteering is the opportunity to connect with people. By engaging beachgoers in conversation and demonstrating the importance of protecting marine life, she spreads awareness and encourages positive action. Utilizing an app to document her cleanup efforts, Brenda shares her findings with others and advocates for environmental consciousness. Encouraging others to join in beach cleanups, Brenda emphasizes that no special skills are required!

Brenda finds fulfillment in attending enrichment sessions and seagrass matting programs alongside fellow volunteers, recognizing the diverse backgrounds they bring to the organization. She feels valued and supported by the staff and appreciates the sense of purpose her volunteer work provides.

Prior to her retirement in Florida, Brenda had a rewarding career working with social assistance clients in a diverse, multicultural environment. In her leisure time, Brenda enjoys gardening and knitting, although a recent knee replacement has sidelined her paddleboarding activities. Before settling in Florida, she and her husband embraced an adventurous lifestyle, enjoying sailing, motorcycling, and flying their small plane to Oshkosh for annual trips. While they've left behind the logistical challenges of cross-border travel, the memories they've created together endure.

Snapshot:

Born: Canada College: Toronto

Favorite Restaurant: Fruits and Roots (vegan/plant based), with some of the most innovative food she has found in North America.

Favorite books/authors: Libby through Blake Library. There are thousands of tiles FREE. Prefer the audio as the narrator brings the text to life. She also prefers major league baseball on the radio. It really draws one into the game. There are too many well-crafted books to choose just one favorite.

Movies/TV/Streaming: Wrestling Ernest Hemmingway, Captain Ron (required viewing if you were to stay on our sailboat more than one day), Out of Towners (original version), any of The Crown series