Newmarket Honors 'Queen' Jackie for 35 Years of Service

For 35 years, Jackie Playter has been the person Newmarket calls when someone needs help. She's organized donation drives, supported families facing hardship, and showed up week after week at the local food bank.

Jackie's fingerprints are all over Newmarket. She helped launch the Newmarket Farmers' Market in 1999, a gathering place that still brings neighbors together every week. She chaired the local Business Improvement Area for 35 years and served as PTA president at two schools.

Her volunteer work spans the Canadian Cancer Society, Easter Seals Canada, Relay for Life, the Terry Fox Run, Inn From the Cold, and CHATS. She even founded the popular Newmarket: What's Happening Facebook Group, keeping thousands of residents connected.

Despite her packed schedule, Jackie still makes weekly food donations. That's where NewmarketToday caught up with her at the Newmarket Food Pantry for a surprise recognition.

"I was blown away," Jackie said when presented with gift certificates for a paint night with friends and a spa day. "I wasn't expecting this recognition but I loved it."

Her family calls her "a smile when you're sad and a warm hug when you're cold." Those who know her simply call her the "Queen of Newmarket."

Sunny's Take

Jackie's surprise reminds us that the helpers among us rarely seek recognition. She continues to balance community work with her role at Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home, always finding time for one more person who needs support. Her approach is simple: "I just like to help people and let them know that there are other people out there who want to help and make their life better. It's so important to be kind."

The recognition came through NewmarketToday's Random Acts of Kindness program, sponsored by Royal Rose Art Gallery and Dawson Manor Spa.

After 35 years of giving, Jackie finally gets her turn to receive.