Volunteer Spotlight
December 5 is International Volunteer Day! Join us in celebrating and thanking all the volunteers who make a meaningful impact in our communities. At Green Acres Foundation, we are grateful to everyone who helps enrich the lives of our residents through activities such as bus trips, bingo, movie nights, and so much more! To discuss volunteer opportunities, please e-mail housingservicesmgr@greenacres.ab.ca or call 403-328-1155. To register as a volunteer, apply on the Volunteer Lethbridge website.
This year we are featuring one of our amazing volunteers, Meloni, who has bartended during happy hour at one of our communities for 6 years. Here’s what she had to say about her rewarding experience volunteering at Green Acres Foundation.
What Inspired you to volunteer at one of our senior communities?
“My friend’s mom used to live at [Green Acres Foundation] and I used to take her for appointments and shopping. She was very happy there and it seemed very inviting to me so one day I just stopped at the front desk and asked if they needed volunteers. I will never forget the response I got. She grabbed my arm and said, “Do you know how to make drinks? Can you bartend? We desperately need a happy hour bartender.” Six years later that is my main duty, and I absolutely love it! I also help with bingo, card bingo, horse races, resident surveys, and anything else our amazing activity coordinator comes up with.”
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with seniors?
“I enjoy working with seniors because they are full of stories, full of life lived, and because they deserve to be loved. You can see the difference it makes to them when you stop and say, “Hey, nice haircut, you look handsome.” Or “I love your sweater; you look really pretty today.” I’m all about trying to lift other people up.
“When I walk in the door Friday, they are all sitting at tables waiting for me. I hear, “she’s here…Meloni is here…hooray it’s happy hour!” I feel amazing, loved, and appreciated. I have pretty severe spine issues that cause a lot of pain but that is all forgotten when I walk in the door. I’m there for them, to provide some fun and laughter, to tease, hug, listen, and care. When I leave, I realize that I didn’t think about myself once the whole time I was there.”
Why do you think volunteering is important?
“I think volunteering is so important because it gets you out of your head and your life, and often puts troubles you may have into perspective. I think if more people knew how it made you feel to volunteer, they would do it. I leave there with a smile on my face and feeling wonderful knowing I did something small that made such a huge difference in their day.”
From the Residents
“Thank you, Meloni, for all the times you’ve come here to volunteer. It’s always great to see you here always smiling, laughing, and having lots of fun things to say!” – Valerie
“Meloni, you bring music to our ears and love to our hearts. We are so glad that you are our volunteer.” – Martha
“Meloni’s always present to us and it’s very nice to have her volunteering. Thank you, Meloni!” – Gwen
“Meloni, I don’t know what I would do without you on Friday afternoon. You are probably one of the best bartenders I’ve ever seen.” – Corrido
“Best volunteer ever!” – Carole