Oak Bay Volunteer Services is marking its 40th anniversary this year with a volunteer-engagement program to expand outreach and attract new volunteers.
The registered charity has been providing one-to-one services to members of the community who face age, health or financial difficulties for the past 40 years.
The service has a client base of about 500 Oak Bay residents.
“Being able to provide assistance to the community for that long speaks of the passion of our volunteers,” said Renee Lorme-Gulbrandsen, executive director of the non-profit organization. “Our volunteers react to the needs of the community by providing services and allow our clients to maintain their independence as they age in place.”
Services include driving clients to appointments or shopping, companionship, walking, reading and writing, making reassurance phone calls, helping prepare income tax returns, performing minor repairs around the house, gardening and other small chores.
Other volunteers assist in the background, performing the many administrative roles that support the program.
During the volunteer-engagement program, the organization will hold workshops and other training opportunities.
Lorme-Gulbrandsen praises the work of the volunteers, some of whom have been committed for as long as 36 years. Some have taken on various roles, first interacting with clients and then, as they themselves age, taking on less-taxing roles, such as helping to stuff envelopes.
“While the longest-serving volunteer has been with us for 36 years, there are many others who proudly wear their 30- and 35-year pins,” she said.
The volunteers appreciate the service they provide, which helps improve the quality of life, fosters an improved sense of belonging and reduces social isolation for many residents.
Their lients love them right back, with many instances of volunteers and clients forming strong bonds that endure for years.
“While we do things to help people, sometimes all they really need is to see a friendly smile or for a person to talk to. We are there to provide that emotional connection — that human touch.”
For more information, and to find volunteer opportunities, go to oakbayvolunteers.wordpress.com.
— Pedro Arrais
