Jeanne Irvine (right) spends one-on-one time with resident Laura Kirkpatrick.
Volunteers plan events, fundraise and take residents on outings
Donating time builds positive outcomes for residents and staff
Friday April 18, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
The hard work of volunteers at Village Green make it possible for residents at the Selby long-term care home to have some of their favourite events, says Karen Coulter.

Coulter, life enrichment co-ordinator, credits the volunteers at the Selby long-term home for putting in the time and effort to plan extra curricular-activities, including fundraising for future events.

“Without volunteers you're limited,” says Coulter. “A lot of time is spent organizing an event and a lot of time goes into an event before it even happens.”

Describing the work of volunteers as having a “snowball effect,” Coulter says a simple act often builds into greater benefits for the home in general, creating happy residents and satisfied staff.

One of the volunteers helping out with fundraising and other activities is Jeanne Irvine. Irvine has volunteered at the home for 10 years, running the tuck shop and assisting with bingo.

“If it wasn’t for people like Jeanne some residents wouldn’t be able to play bingo,” says Coulter.

Irvine says it gives her satisfaction to be able to help and she enjoys her relationship with residents at the home.

She recalls one of her favourite volunteering memories when she took several residents on a picnic.

“I’ve seen how they react on going out on a little trip,” says Irvine.  “They just light up and this to me is so rewarding that I would be able to be part of that.”

Taking residents on picnics, to the diner’s club or to church helps the staff, too, says Coulter adding that the home doesn’t have the manpower to take individual residents out during the day.

To thank the volunteers at Village Green, the home will be hosting a volunteer lunch Tuesday April 29. The luncheon will be served by managers and feature guest speaker Susan Meech, who will present on wildlife rehabilitation.

National Volunteer Week celebrates the hard work of volunteers from April 27 to May 2.

Anyone interested in volunteering at Village Green can contact Karen Coulter at (613) 388-2693.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.