by Jill Woodley
Not a day goes by that Seniors’ Community Services and our clients are not in some way impacted by the efforts of our volunteer team. They are the first contact at reception, at your door when delivering Meals on Wheels, driving to appointments, or serving up a hot lunch on Wednesdays for Diners’ Club. They account for the thousands and thousands of volunteer hours that keep the SCS engine purring.
National Volunteer week (April 14 – 20) is our chance to highlight the one hundred strong SCS members of the volunteer team. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is Every Moment Matters. It highlights the importance of every volunteer, and the cumulative moments that have a vital part in making a difference in the lives of people in this community.
On Thursday, March 28, SCS volunteer, Sandy Guest, was the recipient of a North Grenville Civic Award for her volunteer efforts as our yoga teacher. During the summer of 2021, Sandy came to SCS with an idea. She would provide yoga to seniors in Curry Park, and all funds raised would go directly to supporting Seniors Community Services. This donation-based yoga has become a year-round program, with ALL proceeds donated back to SCS.
What started as a seasonal gathering of interested folks under the blue skies at Curry Park, has turned into a yoga program that offers both Hatha mat yoga and chair yoga three times a week, all year-round. Participants pay $100 for twelve classes, and every dollar is donated back to SCS: critical, sustainable funding for a small non-profit in North Grenville. Sandy’s passion for introducing yoga to seniors complements the SCS mission statement that supports a healthy lifestyle for seniors who are aging at home.
Sandy exemplifies the meaning of a strong community woven by volunteers who see a need and spring into action. Her generosity is truly incredible, and having her support has not only impacted the lives of our yoga clients, but also the health of our programs and services.
This year we recognize milestone years for volunteer service. Brian Larmour, 15 years. Aurele Labonte, 15 years. Heather Murphy, 15 years. Ramona Dunahee, 10 years. Joanne Lincoln, 10 years. Sherry Potter, 5 years. Pauline Field, 5 years, and Elizabeth McNally, 5 years.
Volunteer dedication is fueled by a genuine desire to make a difference and contribute positively to society. It is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. Dedicated volunteers understand the impact of their actions and are motivated by the belief that even small acts of kindness and service can create meaningful change. During National Volunteer Week, thank a volunteer and celebrate their work in your community.
And…on another note. We had so much fun during Community Champions week! Our Meals on Wheels drivers were joined by the Kemptville Lions Club and the energetic folks from Community Living. Special deliveries for special people all over North Grenville. Thank you for volunteering with us!
For more information about SCS please visit www.seniorscs.ca, follow us on FB and IG or pop into the centre at 215 Sanders St.
