2021
Volunteer Heroes BY ROSEMARY BLACK AND DONNA MORIARTY
SHARON MCKENZIE
Benjamin Franklin’s observation, “If you want something done, ask a busy person,” sure rings true when it comes to volunteering. The individuals who generously give their time and expertise to others aren’t just sitting around in their down time. They are caring for grandkids, socializing with friends, and attending to other commitments. Somehow, they also manage to squeeze in hours, days and weeks of volunteering -- working heroically and selflessly to improve the lives of others. Here is how (and why!) they do what they do, making them our volunteer heroes.
“The most rewarding part of volunteering for me is that it gives me purpose,” McKenzie enthuses. “It’s not just an act but a mission, a chance to advance world peace.”
Currently, she volunteers for several local organizations. At RSVP of Westchester, McKenzie works to keep the volunteers engaged. “The majority of volunteer stations were shut down due to Covid-19,” she recalls. “So we created a program called Movie Talk to keep the volunteers engaged.” Participants watch a documentary film and then particip 30-minute discussion.
SHARON MCKENZIE of Greenburgh knows what it's like to be busy, and she loves the pace of a packed schedule. She McKenzie is also an active member of the World Peace Orworked for 30 years as a project manager for a company head- ganization SGI-USA, a Buddhist community in the U.S. As a quartered in Rye Brook before taking early retirement in 2015. “member care advisor,” she conducts home visits and o-e Since then, she’s been busier than ever, spending about 40 advice and guidance to members. “I focus on the members hours a week volunteering around Westchester County. And who are 65 and over,” she says. “My work is to empower them andtoo-ermysupport.” she wouldn’t have it any other way. westchesterseniorvoice.com
24
winter 2021-2022
