Every year during National Volunteer Week, we take the time to thank and recognize the amazing volunteers that generously give their time at our AgeCare communities.
The theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week 2025 is “Volunteers Make Waves”, and, like moving water, our volunteers propel us forward. Whether they support by offering a listening ear, providing companionship, helping facilitate a recreation program, delighting our residents through entertainment, or another form of service, they make our communities better places to live.
As of 2025, there are over 600 amazing AgeCare volunteers who make a difference every day through their selfless service. This year, we’re sharing the stories of four of the wonderful volunteers who support our residents and staff.
Bernice and Bruce are a husband-and-wife team who have been volunteering together at AgeCare Brant (Burlington, ON) for the past nine years. For Bernice and Bruce, volunteering is a way of life. They love people, they love to chat, and they love having a meaningful way to give back together. Bernice runs the AgeCare Brant Coffee Shop, raising funds for resident-led projects. Bruce supports weekly bingo and lovingly tends to the gardens that brighten the home’s exterior.
“We choose to volunteer because we love it,” says Bernice. “I just like people, and I like to chat with them, call them by name, and get to know what they want. And my husband enjoys it too.”
“Our volunteers bring so much happiness,” says Kellie, Recreation and Volunteer Coordinator at AgeCare Brant. “They bring laughs and smiles to our residents’ faces and have the ability to draw out those who aren’t always eager to interact and socialize.”
Karen has been volunteering at Arbutus Care Centre in Vancouver, BC for a year and a half. Every Monday afternoon, Karen brings a special guest with her to brighten the residents’ days – her dog, Maudie! Maudie is a big hit – bringing warmth, companionship, and countless smiles to all who meet her. Karen and Maudie’s visits have become something residents and families look forward to each week.
“It’s so special to see how the residents at Arbutus Care Centre light up when we arrive each week,” says Karen. “I enjoy getting to know the residents and hearing all about their pets that they cared for and loved throughout their lives. I love to watch Maudie make connections with the residents and the joy it brings them to give her pets, cuddles and love. It’s definitely a highlight of the week for both of us.”
“A visit from Maudie helps to reduce our residents’ stress and anxiety,” explains Bhavana, Recreation Manager at Arbutus Care Centre. “Their visits prompt some of our residents who don’t often leave their rooms to come out and socialize. Karen and Maudie help to improve resident wellbeing in so many ways!”
Bev has been volunteering at AgeCare Bow Crest (Calgary, AB) since 2020. She started by donating her handmade cards to residents, and later began visiting weekly in a variety of volunteer roles. Along with a monthly card making class, Bev joins residents for weekly Tea and Conversation events and provides nail painting services.
“I enjoy meeting and getting to know the residents at AgeCare Bow Crest,” says Bev. “It makes me feel happy – I smile leaving here.”
“Our volunteers truly improve the quality of the residents’ lives,” says Magdalena, Recreation Aide at AgeCare Bow Crest. “It’s wonderful. And a lot of our volunteers say that they get back just as much as they give.”
Are you interested in making a difference and bringing a smile to our residents’ faces? We have volunteer opportunities in a variety of roles across our communities in BC, Alberta and Ontario. Click here to learn more!
