Region’s volunteers honoured for service
It took the largest room at the Americana Conference Resort in Niagara Falls to fit the nearly 1,400 years of service at the Niagara Region’s Senior Services appreciation luncheon Wednesday.
Kristin Mechelse, coordinator of volunteers at Linhaven, said that just under 400 guests registered for the event that recognizes five to 35 years of volunteer service at the Region’s eight longterm care homes.
Whether it was serving treats at the café’s, running a recreation event, planning a memorial event or simply spending quality time with the residents, Chair of the Public Health and Social Services Committee Mayor Doug Joyner acknowledged vital work volunteers do.
“It warms my heart, people that give 35 years of their life to volunteer, that’s dedication.”
St. Catharines resident Donna Wilkinson, who was one of two receiving 35 years of service awards, recalled being asked to sing at Linhaven as her first time volunteering.
“I was asked to sing for a birthday party, by Ruth Miller, and I still sing at Sunday morning church service,” said the sprightly 75-year-old.
“My husband and I used to volunteer taking people to the doctors and such, whatever we could do.”
“I enjoy the people themselves, and I like to be around them,” she said.
“They’re happy to see you, and we’re happy to see them, both ways.”
The self-described homemaker was impressed at how many people volunteer.
“It’s amazing how many do, and it’s a pleasure to see that they’re out there doing it.”
Mechelse said it’s important to recognize volunteers like Wilkinson formally.
“Our volunteers give their time freely, they want to make a difference in the lives of the residents in our homes and our seniors’ community programs, it’s very important to say thank you to them.”
Mechelse said she has a new volunteer who is 16 and some volunteers in their mid to late 90s.
“I think they’re giving back to their community, something about having that inner feeling of wanting to give back and truly make a difference.”
Wilkinson said it’s important to start volunteering any time you can.
And the septuagenarian added that she’ll keep volunteering, “As long as I can.”