Supporting Seniors, One Volunteer at a Time
When Lydia took an early retirement from her job with the federal government, she wasn’t quite ready to slow down. “I just needed something that would challenge myself a little bit,” she explains. While caring for her aging mother throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Lydia witnessed firsthand how easily seniors can become isolated and overlooked. “So many things just did not connect, it was a really difficult time for her,” she recalls.
This experience inspired her to do some advocacy work for seniors and eventually landed her in her current volunteer position with Brella Community Services Society. Here, Lydia became the first Senior Connector with the new Senior Connector program and has continued to enjoy volunteering since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I love meeting people. I love hearing where they’re coming from or what their story is. It’s so gratifying to actually have someone that’s hearing them,” she shares.
From offering one-on-one support with housing, government services, or simply listening to someone who hasn’t felt heard in a long time, Lydia’s volunteer work is an act of transformation. “You realize that you can make some kind of an impact or help set them on a better path. And when I took the time to listen, I gained even more back.”
Now, not only does Lydia volunteer with just Brella Community Services Society, but also with critical events such as the 2024 Provincial Summit on Aging hosted by United Way BC’s Healthy Aging team. For Lydia, this kind of community service is foundational for her commitment to the community and others’ wellbeing, “we always serve other people. This is just what you do.”
Volunteering for People in Need
For organizations like Brella Community Services Society, this kind of mentality is what helps keep their programs running. Jordann Cole, Volunteer Coordinator at Brella sees what happens when volunteers like Lydia show up with heart, consistency, and care. “Without volunteers, I think our programs would struggle deeply,” Jordann shares. “Honestly, without them, I don’t know what we would do.”
With volunteers ranging from high school students to seniors, flexibility and inclusivity are key aspects that Jordann emphasizes in her work. “I’m trying to really bring in that younger generation, it’s nice to see that intergenerational aspect,” she explains. “I always feel like the volunteers are giving their time, so I try to be as accommodating as possible. They’re always just shocked when I say, ‘You’ve got to tell me what hours work for you,’”
Jordann wears many hats; recruiting, onboarding, training, matching, and supporting volunteers every step of the way. Her approach isn’t just about placing people in roles, it’s about helping them find purpose and joy through volunteering. “Once we find something that they’re passionate about, usually they’re in for the long haul,” she says. “You can watch them grow and see how the passion kind of relays in the programs they’re in.”
And for Jordann, that impact goes both ways, “with volunteering in general, any organization is going to benefit from it. Even just a few hours here and there — it makes a huge difference.” That difference isn’t just for agencies, it’s for the clients and the volunteers alike. “You just become like friends or family to them.”
Supporting our Communities
Lydia’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteering isn’t about age or expertise, it’s about presence. Smiling, she recalls her own mother, volunteering well into her 90s to support the seniors, “She didn’t think of herself that way, she was still giving back.” That same spirit fuels Lydia today. “You’re not too old to volunteer. Everybody can do something.”
The story of Lydia and Jordann goes beyond just two individuals doing good. It’s a full-circle picture of what happens when people come together for the community. It’s a reminder that with open hearts, communities thrive, and non-profits count on that every day.
Many non-profits across BC rely on volunteers, like Lydia, who give their time and heart to their community. They also rely on dedicated staff, like Jordann, who help guide and support those volunteers every day.
To support this important work, United Way BC partners with agencies like Brella Community Services Society to ensure they have the resources they need to strengthen the work in their community. This includes United Way BC’s iVolunteer program that connects volunteers and agencies together for people in need. With over 400 partner agencies and 15,000 volunteers, there’s an opportunity out there for everyone!
You can support agencies like Brella Community Services Society, volunteer today at iVolunteer.ca!