The value of seniors

Last week, I blogged a couple of times about the value of getting young people involved in philanthropy and how one eight-year-old girl collects food and other items for Shepherds of Good Hope.

Today, I want to talk about the other end of the age spectrum -- seniors.

We are blessed to have many volunteers at Shepherds of Good Hope. Our Volunteer Manager Sue Alcott and Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Brazolot do a fantastic job of finding volunteers, matching them up with the proper services and scheduling them in for our various programs.

We have many seniors who volunteer and it isn't just because they're retired and have the time. That's part of it for some, of course. But seniors simply have more life experience. Those of us who are older know what it's like to fall on hard times now and again. Thankfully, for most of us, hard times didn't mean having to sleep in a shelter or eat in a soup kitchen. But we're smart enough to know that we could have easily been the person on the other side of the serving line in the soup kitchen.

According to research in the U.S., a couple of years ago, senior volunteering is at a 10-year high. And the percentage of volunteers who are seniors has been increasing over the last decade. One in three senior volunteers is over the age of 55. It makes sense. Our largest demographic, the boomers, are starting to enter their golden years.

When we talk to our volunteers, seniors of younger, there are always a few common answers. People simply want to give back. You hear that over and over and yet it's the easiest way to explain why people choose to volunteer. People recognize how fortunate they are and want to do something good in the world for those people who are not so fortunate.

Another common thread is that volunteering is rewarding, it can be fun, and you meet people who obviously share the same concerns, the same will to make a difference.

Every day when I walk into our main building, I see seniors doing their part. Without them, it would be a lot more difficult for us to deliver the services to Ottawa's most vulnerable men and women.

If you would like to know more about our volunteer opportunities, check out our volunteer page. Not only are current volunteer needs listed, but you'll also find some handy contact information.