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Why Do We Volunteer?

Volunteers are those who offer service of their own free will, without being asked. This is the traditional, altruistic way of perceiving a volunteer. In this pristine sense one should not expect a reward, favour or show of gratitude. Most people who volunteer do so because they are making a contribution to society in some way. Others volunteer as a result of values that have been instilled in them as part of their heritage, or by the examples that others have set. Each person will have asked themselves, “What can I do or contribute to make life better for those who we serve?” or “What can my organization do to make our service or ‘raison d’Рtre’ more meaningful to our membership and to our constituent services?” Volunteers are the backbone of every not-for-profit organization. Their roles run the gamut of everything that an organization does: sit on Boards of Directors, raise funds for the organization’s operations, chart the future of the organization, visit seniors in their homes, or visit the sick. These are but a few of the ways that volunteers make an enormous contribution.

MY PERSONAL EVOLUTION AS A VOLUNTEER:

My interest in volunteering came from observing my parents growing up in rural Surrey in the late 1940’s and 1950’s. Both were involved in the Royal Canadian Legion and the Newton Athletic Club. I became involved in a number of organizations that included the British Columbia Association of Social Workers, Habonim Dror Camp Miriam, the Performing Arts Lodge, Beth Israel Synagogue, and more recently, the Jewish Seniors Alliance. My motivation: to use my experience in supervision, management and organizational development. What can I do to make a difference? It was important for me to believe in the purpose and direction of the organization and how I could fit in. I have never wanted to be a spectator but an active contributor to the positive evolution of the organization and, of course, to the services being provided.

EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEERS IN OUR COMMUNITY:

Norman Franks represents the quintessential volunteer. Franks is a native Vancouverite. As a student at UBC he served as President of Hillel House. At the invitation of Jeffrey and Peter Barnett, who established the Variety Club in Vancouver, Franks became a member. He identified with them because he is the parent of a severely-challenged child. Franks has been involved with many organizations: State of Israel Bonds as Executive Director, Project Isiah, Louis Brier Foundation, Vancouver Talmud Torah, Mountain View Cemetery Restoration Committee, Board member of Beth Israel Synagogue, for the past nine years has served as Parnass. Franks works for personal satisfaction for the task at hand. In his own words. “I feel blessed and volunteering is my way of showing gratitude”.

Twenty-seven year old Courtney Cohen sets the standard for young people who demonstrate a passion for volunteering. In 2013 while ‘brainstorming’ with Lynne Fader, Co-Executive Director of the Kehila of Richmond, the idea of “Rose’s Angels” was born. Courtney’s inspiration comes from the memory of her late ‘Boba’, Rose Lewin, who she described as “the most compassionate and selfless person I have ever known.” Rose’s Angels is a yearly event that provides a special gift package aimed to assist persons in situations of poverty or who live well below acceptable income standards. Agencies that received gift packages included the Jewish Food Bank, CHIMO Outreach, Richmond Family Place, Turning Point Recovery,

and Richmond Multi-Cultural Society along with various other agencies. On February 14th, 2016 over 40 volunteers recruited by Courtney gathered at the Richmond Jewish Day School to assemble and deliver a total of 400 care packages and 750 warm bundles. Courtney measures success by “Knowing others are benefiting from our care packages and the satisfaction felt by all volunteers and donors”.

“Do volunteers make a difference? After reading this article, you have the answer!”

Elayne Shapray (z’l) represents a special class of volunteers for her courage and for her convictions. She was a registered nurse by profession and graduated from the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. In her own words, “Volunteering was always in my blood and I had the luxury of not having to work. I wanted to give back to the community. I got more from volunteering”. Elayne had an enviable record for the volunteering she undertook: Planned Parenthood, Palliative Care at Vancouver General Hospital, helped to  start L’Chaim Seniors Day Care, UBC Women’s Resources, served on the boards of Jewish Family Service and the Beth Israel (BI) Synagogue. It was Elayne who initiated the Annual Coat Drive at the BI 22 years ago.At age 39 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She never disclosed here malady to the organizations she volunteered with so she would not receive any special treatment. Her days as an active volunteer ended about two years ago.

Her most recent diagnosis was Progressive Secondary MS. Since 2011. Elayne has been in the media on the “Right to Choose”; Patient Assisted Dying. Elayne will be remembered for her caring, involvements and beliefs.

Larry Shapiro and his wife, Dianne, moved to Vancouver from Montreal two and one-half half years ago to be closer to family. In Montreal he was involved with Civil Defence, Federation of Zionist Organizations and his Masonic Lodge. He became an advocate for his independent late mother’s wellbeing, ensuring all her needs were met. As a new Vancouverite, he became involved with the Oakridge Seniors Center, now as a Director on the Board. Shortly thereafter he met the venerable, Serge Haber, the Founder of JSA, who invited him to become a volunteer as a Peer Counsellor. After meeting the program’s trainer, Grace Hann, he entered the 55 hour training program. Today, Larry has 5 seniors with whom he is in regular face to face contact. He is now on the Executive committee of JSA. He has some very thoughtful insights about seniors who may be isolated, lonely and possibly depressed. Interaction with seniors in need requires more than mere physical care. Larry states “Listening is important and it is something not all of us do well. People have a story to tell and they want to relive their lives through story telling even if it repetitive. I have seen the positive effects that peer counselling can make. It is often an instantaneous and spontaneous return to normalcy because it involves another person who listens and cares unconditionally.”

Ken Levitt

Ken Levitt