Volunteer Spotlight

Who are you and how do you volunteer at the LSCO?

My name is Lynn Benjamin, and I am a greeter, and I understand I was the first greeter to sign up, and I’m really enjoying it.

It’s been great fun and it suited me and suits me fine. I’m mobile challenged. So I can just sit there and talk to people, and I’m getting to know them so well.

They’re lining up and we talk, and I have to help with the computer and the sitting on the other side. So I’m up and down. It’s good for me. I get up and do.

So what would a typical greeter shift look like for you?

Okay, I would get here about half an hour early to try and set up and set things up and get my, my ID, and, see what’s see what’s on for lunch and then find somebody to do it for me because my writing is horrible. And, I’m just starting to greet people. “Good morning. How are you? How is your day? How’s the weather?”

I love it. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve run into a number of people who I knew as a child or, you know, so it’s nice to see them again. Some of them recognize me, and I don’t recognize them. Some of them I recognize, and they don’t know who I am, except that I wear my name. And it’s been delightful. I’ve really enjoyed it.

Do you have a specific memory or experience from volunteering?

It’s just the people that I know. And, the hugs that I get from some of them-those are delightful.

How do you feel like volunteering makes a difference for others?

Volunteering is critical. And from a volunteer’s perspective, you know, it gives me a chance to get out and get out and meet other people. I think I’m doing something that’s useful. It sure beats sitting at home doing nothing, and I’m enjoying it. And it’s being around people, and there’s not a lot of demands. And having worked, you know, you have to live up to a certain standard or beyond, and you don’t have to worry about it because you’re a volunteer. And if I can’t, if I can’t make it, I have no qualms about phoning and saying, you know, I can’t come today. So there’s all kinds of positives. And it’s not every day, all day, every day. And the same thing. No, it’s a great way to, to get out and do something.

Have you learned anything about yourself through volunteering?

I’m learning all the time. If I’m not learning, I don’t want to do it. I started looking at the possibility of doing income tax. I got all that set up and said, I don’t want to do that anymore. 

But in terms of learning, learning how different organizations function or don’t, whichever the case might be, and working, you know, pulling it all together and using, finding the resources outside that I can bring in as well. So, volunteering is a great thing to do.

How has volunteering impacted your life?

Most of my days, I really don’t get moving till noon. You know, there’s getting dressed. There’s dealing with household things and things like that, but when I’m on at nine in the morning and I want to be here at 830 to get things set up, I have to get up and get out.

So it’s a good move for me. It’s getting me moving as opposed to sitting in there and saying, well, what am I going to do today? It’s great. And so that’s been really good for me. What I’ve learned it, it’s incredible working for organizations that keep changing. And you’ve got to keep up with that. And it’s, it’s just fascinating. So I’m always learning. If I wasn’t learning, I wouldn’t want to do it.

So what would you say to somebody who is thinking about volunteering but hasn’t maybe taken that first step?

The first thing that we should all do is to find something we want to do and that we all feel comfortable doing. You’re not volunteering for the sake of volunteering. You’re giving, but you’re also receiving. And if it’s something that you’re not impressed with or something you don’t want to do it – it’s a job. It’s work. And, hey, if you’re volunteering, it’s not work. And as a career counselor, which is one of the things I did in my other life, it also lays the groundwork for developing your own ambitions. What you want to do, what you don’t want to do. 

So I think volunteering has a lot of positives, a lot of good things. And a few negative ones.  But you can leave those behind because you’re volunteering. You don’t have to worry about the paycheck. You’re not going to get it anyway.

Why do you think volunteering is important? Especially in organizations like ours.

I don’t think we could function without it. I mean, if you take a look at it and I don’t know the numbers, but, I’m sure there’s more volunteers. And there are staff. I hope so. And, this place, you know, it’s a community service in a lot of ways. It wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the fact that we have volunteers.

And if we didn’t have volunteers, no one could afford it. So it’s, you’d have to find sponsorship in one way or another. So it’s critical. Yeah, absolutely.

Do you have any last thoughts or things you want to share about volunteering or your experience volunteering here or in general?

The biggest thing is, is making sure it’s something that you want to do as opposed to just putting time in, and you’ve got to have a reason for doing it, because if you don’t have a reason for doing it, you’re no good to yourself and you’re no good to anybody else.

 

This month’s Volunteer Spotlight shines on Shawn Wilson. Originally from Ontario, Shawn and his family have been in Lethbridge for almost 14years. Shawn likes living in Lethbridge and has no desire to live anywhere else, if he had the option.
He has been volunteering with LSCO, in various roles, over the last 10 years or so; bingo fundraising, dishwasher, server, kitchen prep, to name a few. Shawn volunteers because he likes to keep busy. Every year for the last four decades LSCO has provided Christmas Dinner to the community-at-large on Christmas Day. Since Shawn joined the team of volunteers, his most prestigious role has been Christmas Dinner delivery driver for all the Police and Fire Stations on Christmas Day. Shawn has developed a continuing relationship with the folks that serve the city on Christmas Day and I’m sure the crews look forward to his visit. When he isn’t volunteering, Shawn works for Lethbridge Kia and spends time with his family.
When asked whom inspired him most in his life he said, “My grandmother, because she kept me in line. She was tiny and mighty and that wooden spoon was a fair size.” I asked Shawn, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what would you do if you won a million dollars?” “I will probably still be working and volunteering, and if I had a million dollars I would keep a bit and donate the rest to those in need.”
If you are out and about on Christmas Day you may see Shawn in his Santa Suit delivering those turkey dinners!

Christine is a new member of our kitchen team, having joined the crew at the end of August. She brings years of experience in the food service industry. We value the hard work she does in the kitchen and can depend on Christine to get the job done! Christine says the best part of volunteering is the great people she meets, the opportunity to learn new things, and work with the reward of a job well done. “It’s hard work, like having a job, but the reward is the opportunity to serve others, as Jesus served, and at the end of the day I thank God,” says Christine. The important thing at LSCO, for Christine, is the welcoming atmosphere, the kind people, and the support services available.
If she had a million dollars, Christine said she would invest in a house here. Lethbridge has been home to Christine since she came from Hamilton, Ontario, with her family in the 70’s. People in Lethbridge are friendly and that made the transition into the community easy. The person whom has inspired Christine the most is her Mother. While both of Christine’s parents have passed, she has brothers here in the city.
In her spare time, Christine likes to read her bible. She would like to get back into swimming, which she really enjoyed when she was younger. Christine likes many sporting activities but swimming is her favourite. “Dad taught us kids to swim by tossing us in the deep end; sink or swim you’ll figure it out.” A lesson that can be applied in other life situations.
Thanks for all your hard work Christine – welcome to the volunteer team!

Meet Maxine, pickleball enthusiast and certified pickleball instructor. She has been a volunteer for just over 9 years – an impressive feat! Before retirement, Maxine spent her time working at the University of Lethbridge library. Now, you’ll catch her at the pickleball court most days. When she doesn’t have a paddle in hand, Maxine loves to read or listen to audiobooks, practice Tai Chi, explore her heritage by dabbling in genealogy, and dream of traveling to places on her “haven’t been there yet” list. She loves the year-round sunshine and warm winds characteristic of Lethbridge and, if given the resources, says she would build an indoor/outdoor pickleball facility adjacent to the LSCO building so we could welcome more players into our community. Her dedication to the sport and to the organization has impacted hundreds of LSCO members over the years.
Ever since the pickleball program began to grow here at LSCO, Maxine has been a constant force running in the background. From teaching beginner lessons to organizing players, schedules, and equipment, we have benefited greatly from Maxine’s involvement in the organization. She joined our volunteer cohort in the fall of 2015 after recognizing the need for volunteer effort to maintain our rapidly growing pickleball program. Nearly 10 years later we are still in full swing thanks to our volunteer leadership within the group. There are many players in the group that deserve recognition but we are thrilled to shine a light on Maxine this month.
Aspiring pickleball players have the opportunity to connect with Maxine and other instructors in our beginner lessons which are offered throughout the year in 4-week sessions. Experienced players who have already registered for LSCO pickleball have access to skills sessions offered seasonally with our volunteers as well.

Meet Arlene. Arlene has been volunteering with LSCO as an admin and special events volunteer for the past 9 months. The staff here at LSCO love seeing her smiling face; she is wonderful asset to our volunteer team!
Arlene is an incredibly dedicated worker. Before her retirement, she held a diverse range of positions, including roles at the Lethbridge Herald, owning her own specialty grocery store, managing a condominium, and serving as a caregiver for 25 years. Originally from the Philippines, Arlene also spent 15 years working as a secretary before making Canada her home. Her varied career reflects her empathy and compassion, strong work ethic and commitment to excellence in every role she undertook.
When she isn’t volunteering, Arlene enjoys taking her dog for walks and is an active member of a local walking group. If she were to win 10 million dollars, her first wish would be to travel, starting with a trip to the Philippines to reconnect with her family. “I want to explore more of the Philippines and visit other places here in Canada,” she shared. Arlene also expressed that she misses the delicious food from her home country.
Arlene truly enjoys her volunteering experience at LSCO. Her enthusiasm for typing is evident, and we greatly appreciate her contributions in our administrative role. When asked about her motivation to volunteer, Arlene replied with heartfelt simplicity, “I just want to help; whatever I can do! I don’t want to sit around doing nothing.” This selfless attitude not only reflects her generous spirit but also inspires those around her. Arlene stated, “When you volunteer, if you put your heart in it you will enjoy yourself. You don’t have to be paid to be happy.” We couldn’t agree more! Thank you Arlene for generously giving LSCO your time and commitment.
Is there a volunteer that you think deserves a special shout out? Nominate a volunteer for a Monthly Spotlight by chatting or sending an email to Bonnie at bjensen@lethseniors.com

Introducing Barry and Terry! This delightful couple has been volunteering with LSCO Meals on Wheels (MOW) for two years. They are incredibly dependable and always eager to help out in a pinch. Terry shared, “When an extra shift comes up and we’re asked, ‘Can you help?’ we always say, ‘SURE!’” They began their volunteering journey with MOW because they wanted to find a meaningful daily activity, and their church suggested the opportunity. The rest, as they say, is history. Barry added, “Instead of sitting around in our condo, we prefer to get out into the fresh air and help people. It’s so gratifying.”
Barry and Terry met at their church and are celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary this month. Until recently, they celebrated their anniversary monthly—Happy 144th month anniversary, Barry and Terry! When asked, “Is there a person in your life who inspires you to be a volunteer?” Barry pointed to Terry—SO CUTE! They truly are the sweetest.
Outside of their volunteer work at LSCO, Barry keeps busy with golf and shooting pool, while Terry enjoys painting with acrylics and watercolors. They love spending time at LSCO and appreciate the kindness of everyone here. They also enjoy shopping at the LSCO Boutique and have bought several handmade items.
When asked what they would do if they won 10 million dollars, Terry responded, “I’d put a lot of it into this community at LSCO because there are so many seniors who need this friendship. I’d invest it here.” LSCO hopes Barry and Terry win a fortune (Haha!). They thoroughly enjoy all the LSCO events and always get tickets for Mother’s Day. Terry also gave a shout out to our Chef, Lachlan, saying, “And the Chef—oh my—the meals are wonderful!” Barry and Terry are great supporters of LSCO and amazing advocates for the MOW program.
Barry and Terry both agree that the best part about volunteering with LSCO MOW is “meeting the people.” Barry noted, “The people are well worth it. You meet the most interesting individuals.” Terry shared that they developed a meaningful connection with one person through MOW, who later moved to St. Therese. Terry continued visiting her there, saying, “She appreciated the extended friendship.”
In response to why others should consider volunteering, Barry and Terry highlight the importance of supporting seniors in our community. They believe it’s essential to care for the pioneers and older generations who came before us and find it incredibly rewarding to form friendships with MOW participants. Barry and Terry truly love being part of the Lethbridge community, and we are so grateful they are! Thank you Barry and Terry for making a difference!

Ayoola is one of our new youth summer volunteers. She is currently a grade 12 student. She is incredibly ambitious and is taking summer
school classes. One of her classes has a component called “Faith in Action” where the students are asked to go out into the community and use their talents and abilities to help others through volunteer work with a not-for-profit organization. Ayoola chose LSCO as her placement; she is very friendly and hard working and we couldn’t be more happy to have her here with us.

Ayoola said that the best part about her experience so far here at LSCO is the people. She emphasized, “I love how nice they are, and I like
hearing their stories about their lives and experiences. It just makes this place such a great environment”.

Ayoola has wonderful stories to share too. For example, Ayoola was born in Toronto, Ontario. She lived in Toronto until after preschool, then she moved with her family to Nigeria. In Nigeria she finished Grades 1 through 4; after which, they moved back to Toronto for grade
5 before settling in Lethbridge the following year. She will be graduating High School next year. In her free time, Ayoola said she likes to “play tennis, hang out with friends, go to the mall, watch movies, try new restaurants, and sometimes work out.” If Ayoola won a million
dollars, she would buy her dream house, and maybe a car too.

When asked about what motivates her to volunteer, Ayoola acknowledged that she has all the things she could wish for. She said, “It’s me wanting to… And even though I can do so little, I can still help by volunteering or helping people through stuff. It just makes me happier
because I’m not just doing it for myself, but I’m doing it for other people.” Ayoola has a great attitude to be around. Giving back truly does help the receiver and the giver.

Ayoola says it is her dad who inspires her. She explains, “He is always pushing me to be better, especially experience wise – he is always pushing me to try new things or do better in certain things. He motivates me and gives me advice.” Ayoola’s Dad must be so proud of
her. Ayoola has jumped both feet into multiple volunteer roles. She has volunteered in the kitchen washing dishes, and helping with Meals on Wheels food prep, as well as one of our first “Greeters” in our new volunteer opportunity.

We could all learn so much from Ayoola’s response to what she would say to someone who is considering volunteering, “Just do it, because
you never know what could really happen. For me, for instance, I didn’t know if I wanted to volunteer, but it was a mandatory thing, and
I did it. Just come with an open mindset because you definitely learn a lot of things, whether it’s experience or stories.” This was such a
heartwarming response. It was such a pleasure to get to learn more about Ayoola.

We have been enjoying getting to know our volunteers through our monthly spotlight. Please reach out to Bonnie at bjensen@lethseniors.
com or at the Support Services desk to nominate a volunteer for our future monthly spotlights.

Blayne has been volunteering for LSCO for many years. Currently Blayne helps out in the dining room and kitchen supporting the staff by washing down tables, wiping out the Meals on Wheels cooler bags, and putting away dishes. Blayne is dedicated to his role, and he is always willing to lend a helping hand.

Blayne is a happy guy. He always greets everyone with a great big smile. Blayne inspires those around him. Not only does he inspire us, he also feels inspired by many of the great people in his life, past and present. Blayne would like to recognize his friends and family –specifically his sister, Jill, and her family, Rob Miyashiro, the Executive Director here at the LSCO, his friends at the ARC, his keyworker, his roommate Jim, and his really good buddy, Wayne, from junior high who Blayne says “he was like my brother I never had”.

Blayne’s favourite thing about volunteering is all the people. All the people he sees that he knows, and all the people he gets to meet.
When Blayne isn’t volunteering, he is spending time with his family – he loves being an uncle. Blayne likes to tease and be teased. He said, “If they give me a hard time, I give them a hard time right back.” Blayne also enjoys playing cards. Blayne really enjoys volunteering and thinks other people should give it a try too. He said, “If you give back into it a little bit, and you like it, why not do it! Don’t stop! Just
keep on going.”

Thanks Blayne for all you support here at LSCO.

Joanne and Ben have been volunteering with LSCO for over two decades now. Like many of our wonderful volunteers, Joanne and Ben are committed and dependable. They truly love to give of their time and share their talents with LSCO. They believe that one of the most important things LSCO does for people is giving them the space to get out and meet others, socialize, then later at home they will have a good memory of what they did.
In the past Joanne and Ben have volunteered in the Kitchen. They were also regular Meals on Wheels volunteers until just recently when Ben sustained an injury; however, Ben is getting a bit better with each passing day. When he is ready Joanne and Ben would like to deliver Meals on Wheels again.
Joanne continues to keep busy with her other weekly volunteer role with LSCO at Winner’s Bingo helping raise essential funding. Joanne not only volunteers at Winner’s Bingo for LSCO but other charities too! She is truly remarkable. Joanne puts it beautifully when she said she volunteers because, “It feels good. It’s more for me. It helps me rather than somebody else as it gives me a feeling of accomplishment and something I’m proud to do… It feeds me. It is what I need to do.”
Ben’s favourite thing about volunteering is “the feeling you get”. It truly is a great feeling, isn’t it?!
It has been lovely getting to know Joanne and Ben. They both have a wonderful sense of humour as they joked around about how their daughter inspires them to get out and go shopping when she comes to visit. But in all seriousness, they truly feel inspired by their daughter, who is a go getter, and passes on her great energy to them. Joanne said, “She knows how to get you going.”.
To those in the community thinking about volunteering, Joanne and Ben suggest, “Do it! Give it a try.”, “You gotta try!” Joanne says her motto is, “You get what you give” – Joanne and Ben are true to this inspiring motto. Joanne said, “It’s not about the free lunch, it’s about feeding the soul”.
Thank you, Joanne and Ben. We here at LSCO feel fortunate to have you as volunteers. We feel equally lucky to have so many other
wonderful volunteers on our volunteer team and we will continue to be spotlighting volunteers monthly.

If you would like to nominate a volunteer for the monthly spotlight, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Bonnie at 403-320-2222 ext 202 or by email at bjensen@lethseniors.com

Meet some of our Team of Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Volunteers, Eleanor Doerksen, Carmen Gfrerer, Pat
Kincade, and Corrie Krueger. These committed volunteers have spent the months of March and April actively filing over 400 tax
files for low income members of our community and surrounding areas and we cannot thank them enough for their wonderful
support in helping LSCO offer this program.

Q: How long have you been volunteering with LSCO?

Eleanor: I’ve been preparing tax returns since 2015, maybe 2016.
Carmen: Approximately 1 month.
Pat: I have been doing volunteer income tax for 15 years at LSCO. I have done it professionally in the past and when the opportunity came along to take the training and become a volunteer, I was excited to do so.
Corrie: This is my 2nd year.

Q: What motivates you to be a volunteer?

Eleanor: Volunteering is one way to help others. It also is a benefit for me as it keeps me out in the community, meeting people, using my brain.
Carmen: I understand the benefits for low-income individuals and seniors to have their income taxes completed and access all the income they are eligible for. Having a company do simple tax returns can be very expensive for those on a fixed or limited income. Since I very much enjoy tax preparation, I figured I could give back in this simple way.
Pat: I love the challenge of doing income tax returns.
Corrie: It feeds my soul to volunteer!

Q: What’s your favourite thing about volunteering?

Eleanor: Volunteering helps me feel useful.
Carmen: Knowing I can use my skill to make someone’s life a little bit easier.
Pat: I love the people I meet.
Corrie: It not only feeds my soul, but it helps someone else out.

Q: Who influenced or inspired you to volunteer and/or give back to others?

Eleanor: Another accounting technician with whom I worked at MNP retired a year before I did and started preparing tax returns under
the CVITP at the Norbridge Seniors Centre. She encouraged me to join her. When I retired the following year, I decided that I would also prepare tax returns for low income people, but chose to do so at LSCO.
Carmen: My mother-in-law has always valued community and taught me the importance of giving back. She has a way of lighting up a room and making others feel special and I hope to pass a little of that light on myself.
Pat: There was a bridge player named Jack, who I played bridge with. Jack also did income tax and that is how I learned about the
program and became a registered volunteer. He was always working on returns (paper in those days) during bridge and so I asked
questions about how to become involved.
Corrie: I had an amazing soccer coach in my teens who showed me how fun volunteering was and how much he got out of it. He inspired me by showing how enjoyable it was!

We could not do what we do here at LSCO without our volunteers — These amazing Income Tax volunteers truly make a remarkable difference as they carried us through the income tax season.