GRAND Volunteers, Spring 2024

Volunteers

The Gift

Volunteer Victoria is the only volunteer centre that serves people of all ages, organizations of all sizes and groups of all kinds. The organization helps in all the municipalities across Greater Victoria. Our mission is to inspire volunteers and empower volunteerism—which basically means when volunteers are needed, we are here to help.

Thanks to a grant from the Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors Program, we have been talking to people about their volunteering journeys, and learning more about how volunteerism adds value to their lives and to the community.

In 2024, our 50th year of service, Volunteer Victoria is celebrating volunteers and volunteerism. We are pleased to share the following volunteering stories from our collection.

You can listen to more stories about volunteering and community building on the Volunteering Matters Podcast or you can read our Volunteer Matters Magazine on our website at volunteervictoria.bc.ca

of Giving Back

Andy Lee: Big Brothers Big Sisters

Ihave been a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria Capital Region for the past eight years. Through spending time together each week, myself and my young mentee have built a consistent, caring and supportive friendship.

After I retired, I felt lucky to have some extra time. I decided to use a bit of time for a good purpose. My father died when I was barely 16, and I thought I might help a boy whose father wasn’t around.

When I started volunteering with the In-School Mentoring program, I was matched with a Grade 3 student who needed a positive male role model in his life.

When I applied, the mentoring coordinator asked me several questions about what kind of child I might relate to—and I think she made an excellent match.

We spent an hour together at school each week— reading books, playing board games, shooting baskets and just spending quality time with each other.

Now almost a decade later, the two of us still spend time together almost every Saturday.

We have since moved over to the Community Mentoring program, where mentoring matches visit in the community rather than at school. Mentees can formally

participate in the program until they turn 18, and many matches continue into a lifelong connection.

It’s been gratifying to watch my mentee grow and become a fine teenager. He is open and honest, he is friendly and thoughtful and he has a sunny disposition.

In short, he’s a really nice kid—I regularly tell him that I’m impressed.

Between fun activities like hikes, sports games and movies, we also do homework together and have recently talked about possible careers.

Through mentoring, I’ve learned that kids are like sponges. They soak up information, they soak up attitudes and they will strive to meet reasonable expectations that are set for them.

Every adult has something valuable to offer a child— skills, knowledge and attitudes that children can learn from. Sometimes it’s just your presence that tells a kid, “Hey, you’re worth spending time with.”

If you have the time—just a few hours each week—I encourage you to give mentoring a try.

You never know who a young person could become because of you.

Visit bbbsvictoria.com to learn more.

June Preston: Deaf & Blind Advocacy

“I

don’t want this story to be about me,” June said. “I want it to be about volunteers and the organizations in the community that mean and do so much.”

As a formidable octogenarian with a bright smile, a big heart and a twinkle in her eyes, it is clear that June still means what she says.

June was the first social worker hired at what was then called the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children. Surrounded by medical professionals who had their own ways of working, June realized that as a team of one, she needed to acknowledge the existing systems and find new ways to better serve the children and families she met at the hospital.

It is not easy to solve big problems, but June always found ways to make things better. In fact, talking to others and inviting them to help build a vision has always been June’s secret ingredient when baking up community projects.

June fondly remembers the mid-1970s when a small group of friends, colleagues and neighbours realized that they could help seniors living in Oak Bay. By 1977, Oak Bay Volunteers was an official entity, and is still working today to help with everyday tasks and to offer friendship and support to seniors.

One person cannot eradicate loneliness for every senior living in a community, but a team of volunteers with a shared vision can serve thousands of seniors for decades. It just

took a small group of people to get the ball rolling and new volunteers to keep up the momentum. Each generation of volunteers leads the way, and then steps back to allow others to step up.

June’s community activism did not begin and end with Oak Bay Volunteers. This is just one example in decades of volunteerism. June was a board member with Family Services of Greater Victoria, she is a lifelong member of the BC Law Society (as the only social worker on the team), and is currently involved in a new, much more personal project.

A close family member has been served by the wonderful team at Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing for years, but now requires more support for vision loss. To June’s surprise, British Columbia did not have an established deaf and blind advocacy organization. June decided that she needed more information and would look within and beyond the doors of the hospital to find it.

So, if you meet June this year and she is talking about the need for more services for people who are deaf and blind, she is not only talking about people she cares about. She is spreading the word, making connections, looking for people who can help and helping to build a team that can change the world for a group of people who need our support. After all, this story is not about June. It is about people.

Ann Smith: Community Herb Garden

When driving through James Bay or visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, you may have noticed a garden edged with lavender at the Erie and St. Lawrence corner of Fisherman’s Wharf Park. This community herb garden was part of the original design for the park 15 years ago, with symmetrical paths, and trees, shrubs and herbs.

During the pandemic, the day-to-day responsibility for the garden moved from the City Parks Department to the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA). Since then, a group of volunteers meets once a week to weed, prune, plant, water, pick up garbage and check for pests, all under the skilled guidance of the JBNA Gardening Coordinator. The change in the garden over three years is wonderful to see as more kinds of herbs and edible flowers are introduced, the soil improves, and more birds and other pollinators discover the garden.

I am one of those volunteers and the time I spend in the herb garden is gratifying in so many ways. I get to meet other volunteers, chat with neighbours and tourists, and learn more about gardening. I see the garden grow and change through the seasons and years. I love gardening. It is such a peaceful and productive activity–and it’s time spent outdoors. Being able to volunteer in a garden brings together my love of gardening and my desire to contribute

to my community—plus it’s fun and rewarding. A perfect fit!

As food security becomes a more serious concern, it makes sense to have community gardens within easy distance of where we live and work. At the Fisherman’s Wharf Park Community Herb Garden, visitors are encouraged to try berries and herbs. Light grazing ensures that there will be enough for all, although sometimes it seems we can never have enough chives! It’s always a delight to see someone picking what is needed for dinner—perhaps a sprig of rosemary or some mint.

There are 32 community gardens in James Bay and in other City of Victoria neighbourhoods. Our volunteers contribute in different ways, from weekly gardening, helping with events like plant swaps and the Get Growing days, collecting and sorting seeds, and looking after neighbourhood fruit trees planted by the City. The same volunteers don’t necessarily come every week and if wet or cold weather is a deterrent, that’s no problem. Tasks can be low- or high-energy, and there are always a variety of things to do whether the volunteer is a beginner or experienced gardener. The shared feeling of accomplishment when a new plant takes off or a pruning job has been done is always satisfying.

Learn more at jbna.org

Marilyn Simmons: Cridge Transition House

My volunteer experience in India while serving people in poverty has led me to the desire of serving my community here in Victoria. I believe volunteering is the opportunity to give and help create community, especially for people living in difficult circumstances. I want these people to know that they are seen and cared for. I love celebrating peoples’ courage, resilience and success.

I was looking for another volunteer opportunity after the lockdowns and came across the Cridge Transition House in a Times-Colonist ad looking for volunteers. This ad jumped out at me, and I knew right then that this was the place I wanted to volunteer. I have worked with children previously in other capacities. For as long as I can remember, I had compassion for women and children living in difficult situations. My time in India included working with teams to support children living in extreme poverty.

I have many memorable experiences that keep me motivated to volunteer like the delight and joyful smiles when the children see me come through the door. I was doing crafts with a sister and brother and one looked up at me and said, “I know what, you are our grandma.” Another time I was working with two non-verbal young siblings and upon greeting them, one of them responded to me with a clear spoken, “hi.” This was the first spoken word by this young child. One more experience that really touched me was when a little girl, who had only met me once before, saw me and her eyes lit up. She said, “You’re here again” then ran into my arms.

For me, it’s all about the connection, it’s seeing the hope return to women and children. I see it in their eyes and their confidence seems to return within their new and safe environment. I also enjoy working closely with the staff who are incredible and supportive of the volunteers.

If I could offer some advice to volunteers, first choose something you love and have passion for.

My recommendation is to evaluate the skills and experiences you have developed over the years. Using your time wisely and putting it to good use will benefit both yourself and the organization. You are there to serve both the organizational needs and work well with staff and other volunteers.

Giving to those who cannot give back is very freeing. It takes the focus off our own needs and puts it on others. Enjoy fun and laughter as part of a team. Volunteering can provide a real community and sense of belonging and in the process good friends are made.

Learn more about volunteering at Cridge at cridge.org

Rhianna: LifeCycles Project Society

I’ve been volunteering since I was a kid. I have volunteered in all sorts of ways, depending on what’s going on in my community and what time and skills I have to offer. For example, I’ve volunteered at community events (like taking tickets and doing crafts with kids for a theatre series) and I’ve volunteered to chair the board of an organization.

Being the Board Chair for the LifeCycles Project Society was rewarding for me because I started my career with a similar organization in Vancouver. I wanted to be a part of the food system, and ecological and social justice work in Victoria. One of my favourite things to do is cook so I also like providing food for community events and cooking for neighbours when they need some TLC.

In my day job, I run a community-engaged learning program at a local university. In this work, I connect students with all sorts of community initiatives and organizations. I find it so rewarding to support students in making connections between their studies and their community, and I am constantly inspired by the many community initiatives supported and led by phenomenal volunteers.

For me, volunteering creates a sense of belonging in the community. There are so many ways to volunteer; you can choose the activity and level of commitment that work for you and the folks you’re volunteering with.

Learn more at lifecyclesproject.ca

Peter & Hillary: Our Place Society

As newcomers to Victoria, Peter and Hilary were shocked by the visible homelessness. Motivated to contribute meaningfully, they began their journey by sponsoring meals. However, the couple soon realized that caring wasn’t just about providing financial support; it was about investing time and building connections.

“Writing the cheque is relatively easy,” says Peter. “And we’d heard it said that, ‘what was really valuable was time more than money.’ So, we thought, ‘Well, we’d better do some of that as well.’”

Guided by a desire to make a tangible impact, Peter and Hilary found their niche in the Saturday morning breakfast shifts at Our Place Society, an organization serving people who are unhoused. The couple, now into their second year of volunteering, modestly downplays the notion of celebrating their volunteering anniversaries, preferring to emphasize their ongoing commitment to the cause.

When asked about their specific choice of Our Place Society, Peter and Hilary reveal that it was driven by the stark reality they witnessed on Pandora Street. Their decision was guided by a sense of serendipity and a desire to address the needs of those most visibly affected by homelessness. “We were looking to do something and didn’t know where. And in a sense, it was serendipity that had us choose Our Place.”

A key aspect of their volunteering journey has been their shift in perspectives. Peter openly admits to having preconceived notions about homelessness and acknowledges a profound change in understanding since they began volunteering. The couple encourages others to witness the reality firsthand.

“If there’s a message, I guess, we would want folks to understand the multifaceted contributors to homelessness, including issues of mental health, addiction and unforeseen economic hardships,” he adds.

Through their humble yet impactful efforts, Peter and Hilary remind us that change begins with acknowledging the humanity in every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

Peter and Hilary’s commitment to community service extends beyond Our Place Society. They share their extensive history of volunteering, emphasizing the importance of giving back and staying engaged in the community. Their experiences with family services, senior centres and thrift shops showcase a lifelong dedication to making a positive impact.

Learn more at ourplacesociety.com

Michelle Colussi: Building Resilient Neighbourhoods

My husband is the real connector on our street. Every time he sees somebody, he says, “Hey neighbor, how are you doing?” When he comes home, he often sits on our front step and neighbours will walk by and then come for a chat. And before you know it, they’re being offered a refreshment and then staying for dinner.

He cultivates those connections because of who he is, but decades ago this type of connection was just called being a good neighbour. You lived on a street and people knew each other and would help each other.

But today, lots of people, including myself, get home and head to the back deck because we want some quiet time. There are lots of neighbours who are unable to connect for other reasons—either they’re too shy or stressed, they may have language barriers or mobility challenges or mental health challenges.

The foundation of my work with Building Resilient Neighbourhoods (BRN) is the idea that if we can strengthen connection between neighbours, either at a street level or within buildings, then neighbours will become a mutual support for each other. We encourage a sense of agency and help citizens take charge of things and be instrumental in improving the quality of life for themselves and their neigh-

bours. Everybody needs help sometimes, and everybody can also be a helper and contribute in a variety of ways at different times in their life.

People tell us all the time “I’ve lived on the same street for 15 years. And I’ll say ‘hi,’ I’ll wave, and I’ll say ‘good morning’ to my neighbour but we’ve never actually had a conversation. And, until we made an effort to talk to each other, we had no idea we had so much in common.”

By connecting and exploring commonalities, suddenly a street or a building comes alive, and neighbours are hosting picnics, building a shared chicken coop and they’ve got all kinds of other initiatives that they’re working on together to improve life on their street. One could suggest that neighbours who know each other build more resilient neighbourhoods.

Now, BRN is focused on Connect and Prepare, which is very specific to helping groups of neighbours prepare for emergencies. Neighbours who already have a relationship are much better equipped to respond to real-time emergencies because the relationship’s already there and they know a little bit about each other. So, you’ll know if there’s a person on your street who has mobility issues, and that they are going to trust you when you knock on their door to offer help.

The next time you see your neighbour and offer a smile, a wave, or a hello, why not take the next step? Be like my husband, ask your neighbour how they are doing and talk to them about their favourite music, food, garden, restaurant or anything else that comes to mind. Who knows, you may find that the best place in your whole neighbourhood is at your front door.

Learn more at resilientneighbourhoods.ca

Heather Gross: Royal BC Museum

For many years, I volunteered at the Royal BC Museum in the Learning Department and with Special Events. Sometimes that work was very logistical–moving tables, setting up supplies, directing people to where the action was happening. Sometimes that work was very relational.

Memorably, I was part of staging a fortune telling station around Halloween and doing visual recording of queer history during a Pride event.

After a break due to the pandemic, I re-engaged my volunteer roles and I was reminded what I enjoy about encounters with visitors from different backgrounds and experiences.

This month, I was in Helmcken House, one of the oldest settlers’ homes in BC still in its original location, that was decorated for winter festivities. It was delightful to remind visitors that the museum team used photographs from the house itself in 1905 so the decorations and food were “pretty close” to what the family would have enjoyed in that time.

Many people came to the house as part of a visit from outside of the region, and we spoke about local history. Others were well versed on both Fort Victoria and early city history and had many very specific questions about house building supplies or neighbourhood design.

A conversation I enjoyed the most was one where the visitor left saying, “Well you really left me with a lot of questions.” Perhaps people expect volunteers at a museum to have all the answers—but it is wonderful to know that the visitors leave with memories, ideas and reflections that will keep them curious and learning long after their visit to the museum has ended.

I embrace the idea that informal relationships are part of what makes life interesting, and that deep learning happens when we leave a place with more questions than answers.

Learn more at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Brenda MacFarlane: Victoria Hockey Legacy Society

Ido not watch a lot of hockey. I once wanted to play hockey, but I never got further than adult power-skating lessons. I am not your typical hockey fan, yet I found myself on a leadership team hosting a fantastic event called Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada (January 17 to 20, 2024).

In February 2023, I learned that a group of people were lobbying to bring this national event to Victoria, and I thought I could step outside of my comfort zone and help. I currently sit as the board treasurer for a non-profit organization, and while I wasn’t looking for another large volunteering commitment, I knew that I could fit a special event into my busy schedule. Now, I’m absolutely delighted to be the treasurer for Victoria Hockey Legacy Society, the local organizing committee who brought Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada to Victoria.

As you might expect, a treasurer spends time working with budgets and overseeing accounting, but because of this volunteering opportunity I also visited with the Stanley Cup, met fantastic sports stars and celebrities and got to stand on the ice and drop the puck at a WHL hockey game. None of these things were expected, but each new adventure has opened the doors to new people, experiences and memories.

I am not going to change my day job at IG Wealth Management for a career in hockey, but I can more than hold my own with the sports fans in my family and I am so proud to have been part of something that brought joy and happiness to people on such a large scale. I never thought I’d be on a hockey team, yet here I am, treasurer of Victoria Hockey Legacy Society.

Learn more at victoriahockeyday.ca

Vanessa Hammond: Serenity Housing Co-op

Ihave been volunteering for 67 years, around the world, and primarily in the health sector and with national co-op bodies. I have helped to develop and host volunteer programs and provide training for volunteers in health co-ops, small farming co-ops and have served as a board member on many occasions. I currently sit on the board of the Serenity Housing Co-op.

Serenity Housing is a “collection of Queer folk and allies who want to live interdependently in an equitable eco-friendly manner, where we all have value.” Our mission is to provide and maintain an inclusive, sustainable and affordable tiny-home housing co-operative. Building affordable housing is not an easy task, yet, by working together, I know that we can create new housing options that meet people’s needs and vision.

Through my own volunteering experiences with the Mongolian Co-op sector, I met some of the world’s best co-operators. They grasped and embraced every aspect of volunteer development and community building. I also made great friends and built wonderful memories, like when I amused my colleagues by sliding ignominiously off the back of a fun-loving yak.

If I could share one tip for people entering the workforce or changing careers or their home city, it is that volunteering is an ideal way to gain experience, knowledge and empathy. And there is immense satisfaction in volunteering, having fun, and building necessary, helpful, connections.

Learn more at serenityhousingcoop.ca

Kelly Minter: Some Coins

Iworked in the non-profit sector for many years, primarily in reception and administration support. In this role, I have met many generous, giving people. One person stands out for me.

For years, our office was located just outside of downtown Victoria and many of our regular donors would walk to our office and make their yearly donations. I was able to get to know people and develop long-lasting connections.

Early on in my work, a young woman came to the office. Her appearance was disheveled, and she looked as if she needed assistance. To my surprise, she held out a hand with a few coins in it. She did not say anything, as she was very shy, but she was making a donation. I tried to engage with her by asking her name. She did not say a word.

The visits became a regular occurrence. Each time, I would greet her and eventually she told me her name. I would ask her how she was doing and occasionally she would answer, but most times she would say nothing. She would come into the office about once a month or so—in the rain, in the cold, in the scorching heat. It didn’t matter what the weather was like.

After many visits, she eventually asked me my name, and from here she became more comfortable talking to me. She would even ask for me if I was not at the front desk. I learned that she lived in supportive housing and had no job or income. Every month, she would come with a few coins to donate and we would keep a tally recording all of her donations throughout the year.

After several years, our office moved locations and I didn’t see this person for quite some time. Finally, she started coming into the office again but now her donations were $5 and sometimes even $10. She was so very proud to share that she was doing some cleaning work where she lived. Eventually she had a casual job cleaning and her donations increased to $20. It might not seem like a lot of money, but $20 was a fortune to this person and represented so much strength and courage.

What I learned from this wonderful woman is that it does not matter who you are or what you have. You may not always have the words or the confidence to speak loudly, but you can always find a way to give, to be kind and to be grateful.

Joan Jackson: Soroptimist International

Stella, a senior member of the Soroptimist International of Victoria Westshore Club, asked that we create a series of dinner events for isolated seniors such as herself. In her name, we created Stella’s Supper, a volunteer-run service project helping to alleviate loneliness in vulnerable seniors. I think we enjoy it as much as they do!

Through Stella’s Supper we bring together 36 to 42 seniors at a time and seat them with others who quickly become friends. A few times a year, we serve them a meal and entertain them. Our guest list is currently around 80 people, so RSVPs are required. We mail out printed invitations and have a volunteer to answer their phone calls. Often the volunteer who answered the RSVP has enjoyed several conversations with the guest prior to the event.

It was difficult to keep this going through the pandemic. Once, we held it outdoors in a local park with rented tables for two, as required, checkerboard tablecloths and picnic box lunches. The guests quickly required the tables to be pushed together so they could mingle. We didn’t want to deny octogenarians the chance to see friends and make new connections.

After the world returned to some normalcy, we invited the seniors to come for a meal, friendships and entertainment in a rented hall. I was lucky enough to be on the registration table at that first event after the pandemic and was overcome with emotion as one sweet senior after another grasped my hand, teary eyed, to thank us for inviting them again. The loneliness was terrible for these vulnerable folks, living alone during the pandemic. Sadly, we lost several of our cherished guests during the pandemic.

We have resumed with two or three events a year, entirely run by volunteers. We’ve found that we can cook meals ourselves for the group and our hard-

working volunteers. We have now expanded to deliver meals to those who cannot attend. We pick up guests who need a ride and deliver them safely home after the meal. We plan, cook, clean, serve, mingle, laugh and enjoy sweet exchanges with the many seniors we’ve gotten to know. We have live music, and sometimes they dance. Sometimes we dance too.

We strive to make their lives a little richer through the friendships we help make happen and we have a wonderful time while we do it.

Learn more at soroptimistinternational.org

Rebecah: Cyber Seniors

The Cyber Seniors program, started in Toronto in 2009 by two high school students, is an intergenerational program pairing high school students with seniors to help navigate the ever-changing world of technology. The Cridge Village Seniors Centre is happy to open its doors again to various high school students with this program that was put on hiatus during the pan-

demic. It has been ever-present in our senior’s facility the last several years of just how valuable intergenerational connections are and how important social media can be in keeping people connected in such uncertain times.

High school students from various schools (Pacific Christian, St. Michaels, Victoria High School) have travelled after school, once a week, to The Cridge Village Seniors Centre to give lessons to our seniors. It has been remarkable to witness the natural gifts of each generation coming together in this mutually beneficial program. Many of our seniors are in their 80s and 90s and students are therefore exposed to a generation’s life history, experiences and customs.

Students aim to help their seniors navigate the fast-paced world of the internet. They are here to help support and build confidence in an online world that was not designed for individuals with sight, hearing or dexterity impairments. For many, learning how to upload pictures to their iCloud is a daunting task. It is more important than ever these days for our seniors to stay connected with their families, many of whom live in other countries or provinces. Learning how to connect with a long-lost family member via Facebook can be life changing.

During the school year, these students have filled our centre with laughter, perspective and collaboration. Students have enjoyed getting to know the senior they are paired up with and have, in certain circumstances, stayed in touch after they have moved on from the program. It has been a pleasure to re-introduce this program that has facilitated connections, friendships, and knowledge back into the lives of our Seniors at The Cridge Centre.

Learn more at cridge.org

Felicity Smith: Together Against Poverty

My relationship with Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS) began shortly after I retired from my job as a fundraiser for a non-profit agency in Victoria.

I got involved in the Volunteer Disability Advocacy Project (VDAP). VDAP advocates work one-on-one with clients applying for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation status through the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Attaining this designation leads to an increase in the client’s monthly benefits. The role of the advocate is to draft aspects of the application, help liaise with health practitioners and review the completed application prior to submission.

The training program was comprehensive and ongoing, but I learned most by meeting clients, hearing their stories and getting advice and feedback from the staff member in charge of the project. Feeling well-supported is absolutely critical to a positive volunteer experience.

While not every application for PWD was successful, most were and they led to an increase in

income of several hundred dollars a month for the client. Life on benefits is very hard, involving daily decisions about how to make a little money go a long way. For a successful client, the first payday at the higher rate, plus the back pay, felt akin to winning the lottery!

After a couple of years as a VDAP advocate, I joined the board of TAPS. Along with another board member, I organized an annual fundraising event, which was widely supported by the local business community. This popular event brought together friends of TAPS, both new and old, committed to the goals of the organization to address the systemic causes of poverty and to assist individuals experiencing its consequences. In 2020, the pandemic put an end to that yearly celebration. In spite of the havoc of the COVID-19 years, TAPS continues to thrive with a new generation of volunteers supporting the work of their marvelous professional staff.

Based on my fulfilling experience at TAPS, I recommend being open to the wonderful possibilities that volunteering has to offer.

Learn more at tapsbc.ca

Maureen Gross: Wisdom Circle

Iam part of a group of seniors called the Wisdom Circle. We formed as a group several years ago after we participated together in sessions offered by Sage-ing International. Over time, we shifted to a more informal format where the members of the group meet monthly for a couple of hours and rotate choosing and leading the topic of our meetings.

During the pandemic, we switched to meeting via Zoom as it was extremely valuable to continue to connect monthly during that stressful time. Due to concerns about staying well and mobility issues, we have committed to continue to meet monthly with a couple of in-person gatherings each year.

Being able to offer to be the Zoom host for our monthly group has turned out to be very valuable. As a group, it means that we can continue to offer each other fellowship and support. As an individual, I have challenged myself to stay up-to-date with the technology necessary to be a Zoom host.

Being part of such a nurturing and stimulating group of senior women is wonderful. Being able to share together, learn together and laugh together is truly special. I am pleased that challenging myself to learn to use Zoom has helped this group continue to meet and flourish.