Many Canadians have Discovered the Fulfillment and Satisfaction of Volunteering as Older Adults.
We wanted the real experts to weigh in on volunteering: the volunteers themselves! The following are a list of inspiring quotes found in Volunteer Canada’s Report: Volunteering… A Booming Trend.
“I find more pleasure in life from volunteering and helping other people than I do from acquiring tangible things. Improving the conditions which we live by not only for ourselves, but for others, really is the key to personal fulfillment.” Herbert Simposn, 82
“Volunteering gives me satisfaction. Everybody does something for themselves and their own families. But if you have time to spare, you get happiness, satisfaction, and peace of mind by achieving something or doing something for someone else. I have also come to know more about the community.” Prem Sarin, 70-plus
“We all owe part of our lives to the community. I volunteer because it is my way to give back to the community. I love sharing knowledge with children who are so keen to learn and the kids in the School Programmes at the Canadian Museum of Nature are kids who will be scientists one day.” Frank Dyson, 72
“When I retired, I thought it was time to start giving something to the community, which was something I hadn’t had time to do before. I really enjoy dogs and have always supported the work of the SPCA. I thought that rather than giving dollars every year, I could give time.” Hugh Oliver, 65
“One of the reasons why I wanted to volunteer at the museum was that I didn’t want to become a couch potato when I retired. I’m constantly in a learning mode. I just love to pick up information.” Edward Wdowiak, 62
“I’m a professional engineer. When I heard about the Tetra Society, I wanted to get involved. We design and build items for people with disabilities that are not available commercially. The first thing I designed was a drinking cup for a 16-year-old girl who could only move her head half an inch or so.” Peter C. O’Callaghan, 76
“People who give their time to a volunteer activity, especially if it involves helping others, are happier and healthier in their later years. …volunteering is a people-to-people business. A lot of benefit comes from being in touch with others and having an impact on their lives.” Dr. Neena Chappell, Director of the Centre on Aging, University of Victoria.
As these volunteers make clear, there are so many different reasons and ways to get involved.
Not sure where to focus? Let your personality and interests guide you.
| Are you… | Consider… |
| People-oriented? | Friendly visiting with seniors. |
| A take-charge person? | Heading up a fundraising event. |
| A good teacher? | Being a mentor or literacy tutor. |
| A nature lover? | Reclaiming a wetland area. |
| Always on the move? | Delivering Meals on Wheels. |
| A sponge for knowledge? | Being a museum interpreter. |
| Bi- or multi-lingual? | Translating for newcomers to Canada. |
| Artistic? | Teaching arts or drama at a community centre. |
| A computer specialist? | Helping a charity get connected on-line. |
Three out of every four volunteers get involved to put their skills and experience to good use. These skills are as varied as the volunteers themselves, coming from all walks of life. Volunteering can lead to a second (or third or fourth) career. Experiment with volunteering and keep your talents youthful.
Inspired yet? Go to Find an Opportunity and find your perfect volunteer role today!
