Seniors volunteerism in Niverville can be described in three words: it is everywhere.
Today, volunteers are needed more urgently than ever—and seniors appear to have the time.
Senior Scope, in its April 2016 edition, quotes a TD Bank study which estimated the economic value of volunteerism in Canada to be “worth more than $50 billion a year to the Canadian economy, and well over half of that activity is done by seniors” (Vol. 14, No. 11). Those who built this country are still making a significant contribution to its economy and adding rich colour to the fabric of society.
Justina Penner, Resource Coordinator for Niverville Services to Seniors, is always recruiting volunteers. Criminal record and Elder Abuse Registry checks are required before individuals are eligible to assist vulnerable clientele. Drivers are needed to take seniors to and from appointments, and compassionate visitors are urgently needed for shut-ins. Many of these volunteers work at the Adult Day Program at the Golden Friendship Circle as well as at the weekly meal for seniors served every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
Penner recommended I partake one Tuesday in order to meet some of the seniors who volunteer.
At the meal, I sat across from a couple who preferred not to share their names but who are among eight volunteers who start at 7:30 a.m. to prepare the hall to receive from 80 to 120 guests. Tables get set up, chairs put in place, paper tablecloths laid and places set, water pitchers filled, and vegetables prepared. Only the cook receives a stipend for her work. When asked about their motive to volunteer, the woman said it gave her a sense of belonging. Her husband said it was a way to give back to the community.
Bill and Helen Unrau kindly consented to an interview. Their reasons to volunteer are many: a desire to stay active, have valuable interactions with people, serve the Lord with occasional opportunities to witness, form new friendships with like-hearted people, and enjoy the pleasure and reward of service.
“I especially appreciate that we have the opportunity to serve together as a couple,” Helen said, smiling. Bill added, “It gives me the opportunity to be in touch with people who are older than we are, people I have known all my life.”
Before the meal was finished, I noticed another form of volunteerism in the person of Bill Neufeld, who provided his own background music via MP3 player and sang beautiful songs and hymns. He is one of several volunteers who regularly share their musical talents with this appreciative audience. He spoke about how he could have died in 2006 when he was operated on five times in ten days.
Certain attendees regularly clear the tables after the meal; other volunteers do dishes. Even before diners have departed, tables are dismantled and chairs put away. (Dish duty is particularly arduous for seniors and help from a younger generation would be so welcome.)
Mary Ann Neufeld has often sung at the meal and looks forward to returning to service when she recovers from recent surgery. As part of the Three Amigos trio, she has entertained at the Heritage Life Personal Care Home and other venues. She volunteers her talent directing the Credit Union Manor Choir and has volunteered with the New Bothwell choir.
Amy Hiebert agreed to meet me for a coffee at Chicken Chef. When asked to discuss her volunteer work, she heaved a mighty sigh and said her volunteerism began when her children were young. One gets the impression that the support required by parents for hockey and figure skating programs is pretty much the foundation for a way of life. She credited Fred and Edna Kaita as mentors “who contributed unbelievably to this community” and were a source of inspiration. Amy currently volunteers at the personal care home in the walking club, driving, and bingo.
Senior volunteers also serve on the Niverville Justice Adult and Youth Committee, and in schools when asked. Many volunteer with Helping Hands every other Thursday. The Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair also receives strong senior support.
Penner sees the need for a men’s group to address the desperate loneliness of many widowers and spouses of Alzheimer’s victims. “If only some men would offer their time to invite some of them out for a coffee and the opportunity to talk,” she says, “it would make such a difference in their lives.”
Visiting seniors may be daunting to some, so I visited Darlene Dueck, whose pastoral care visits are part of her work for the Niverville Community Fellowship church. “Self-awareness and self-care are particularly important for volunteers who do visitations,” Dueck advised.
I contacted Chantal Gadient, Niverville’s Recreation Director, to ask about the Volunteer Network registration form I found in my Welcome to Niverville package when I moved to town. Dozens of volunteer opportunities are identified.
“Most people who offer their time are conscientious, honest, hard-working individuals,” reads the form. “Volunteering your time to help others has a significance all of its own. It is a good thing to do. It makes a vital difference in the lives of so many people. It has meaning.”
Sadly, the Volunteer Network appears to be defunct. Gadient hasn’t had an inquiry in the year and a half she has worked for the town.
The seniors of Niverville, however, display inordinate generosity of time, energy, and character. Their services are interconnected by agencies vital to the health of the community.
