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What more can be said about volunteering? I do go on a bit about it and often get out my soapbox, too. Last week I was invited to speak at a local gathering of seniors. I was talking about the services that are available and the volunteer opportunities with Community Care also came up. Two people stepped spoke to me after the meeting and said they’d like to volunteer. A third is thinking about it and said they’ll be in touch.

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Volunteering is something everyone can and should try. It might change your life.

My grandmother took me to the County Home when I was three and that was my introduction to volunteering. At that time activities and programming for residents was organized by a committee of volunteers of which my grandmother was the chair. She was also involved as a volunteer with the Picton United Church, the Rebekah Lodge, the Eastern Star, Picton Seniors Club and with Community Care.

My parent’s involvement as volunteers took them to Africa to visit the Round Table Service Clubs as members of the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs of Picton. “Work parties” were held regularly in our home with members of the service clubs.

If you didn’t grow up with volunteer activity happening all around you, like I did, you can still get involved. It will be good for you. There are lots of benefits ranging from very personal – you feel connected, a part of something, and better about yourself – to external benefits – such as the satisfaction you will feel when you know that someone has benefitted from your efforts as a volunteer.

Prince Edward Community Care submitted the names of six people to the provincial government for recognition of long service as a volunteer. If we could, we’d submit the names of all 400 people who help us help seniors live at home. Ralph Hall for 30 years; Manson Slik for 25 years; Helen Williams for 25 years; Carole Thimidis for 20 years; Don Creighton for 20 years and Doreen Clarke for 20 years. Carole and Doreen were at the big celebration in Belleville with smiles and wonderment at the years that so quickly went by.

We are grateful to all volunteers who give their time to any organization to make their community, country and the world a better place. We had a small gathering for most of the rest of these volunteers along with Barbara Proctor, board chair, and all of Community Care’s staff. Everyone wanted to thank these volunteers for what they do and for doing it so long.

After the goodies were packed up, the dishes washed, and everyone was on their way home, a wave of gratitude came over me. What a great thing to be involved in – an organization that helps seniors and is so good at it that people will stay involved as a volunteer for 20 years, 25 years and Ralph Hall for 30 years. I’m also thankful to work with staff that care about seniors and are passionate about our volunteers; to have skilled and supportive board members; and to do all this in a community that is engaged.

Will volunteering change your life? Call Community Care and start the conversation that will lead you to the answer (613-476-7493). We’re waiting to hear from you.

Debbie MacDonald Moynes is Executive Director of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.