My personal thanks to all the volunteers I work with every day

 April is volunteer appreciation month. Many seniors volunteer. These statements from volunteers highlight the personal and social benefits of volunteering, as well as the positive impact it has on both volunteers and the recipients of their support. I work with two senior organizations in my community; I am President of one and Chair of the other. We could not do what we do without the support of our volunteers. So I asked them what is it about volunteering that appeals, and their answers are below. My thanks to those who responded and a huge thank you to all of the volunteers I work with who support the work we do to help seniors overcome challenges with food insecurity, isolation, loneliness and abuse.

I enjoy using my time and skills to volunteer for organizations that focus on improving people’s lives and I am thankful I have the time, skills,and capabilities to volunteer.

I enjoy helping people and it’s a good feeling at the end of a session when people have a breakthrough and know what they did to help resolve the issue.  It’s like the old proverb about teaching a man to fish.

"Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I cherish everyday."

"Being able to make a positive impact in someone's life, no matter how small, is incredibly rewarding."

"Volunteering has introduced me to amazing people and expanded my social circle in ways I never imagined."

"Seeing the gratitude in someone's eyes after receiving help reminds me of the power of kindness."

"Volunteering keeps me active and engaged, both mentally and physically, which is essential for healthy aging."

"Knowing that my efforts contribute to a greater cause makes every moment spent volunteering worthwhile."

"Volunteering has taught me valuable skills and experiences that I can apply to various aspects of my life."

"I encourage fellow seniors to join me in volunteering; together, we can make a significant difference in our community."

Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose and belonging in my community, and I would encourage other seniors to experience this fulfillment.

I've learned new skills and expanded my horizons through volunteering, all while making a positive impact on others' lives.

The connections I've made while volunteering have enriched my life in ways I never expected. I encourage other seniors to meet new people and form meaningful relationships through volunteering.

Giving back to my community through volunteering has brought me immense joy and satisfaction. I urge other seniors to discover this happiness for themselves.

Volunteering has allowed me to stay active and engaged, both physically and mentally. I encourage other seniors to maintain their well-being and contribute to their communities through volunteering.

Sharing my life experiences and wisdom with others through volunteering has been incredibly rewarding. I encourage other seniors to recognize the value of their own experiences and share them with others.

Volunteering has given me a chance to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how big or small. I encourage other seniors to see the impact they can make by giving their time and skills.

I've found that volunteering has helped me stay connected to the issues and causes that matter most to me. I encourage other seniors to stay engaged and make a difference through volunteering.

Do you remember measles?

Let's celebrate the vibrant health and resilience of our communities! While it's true that the memories of diseases like measles have faded over the past few generations, it's essential to recognize the importance of vaccinations in preserving our well-being.

Measles, a once-common threat, has largely disappeared from our collective consciousness, thanks to the success of vaccines introduced in the 1960s. However, as we've seen in other parts of the world, complacency can lead to a resurgence of this highly contagious disease, with potentially severe consequences.

Measles, with its roots dating back thousands of years, has an extraordinary ability to infect and spread rapidly. Its impact extends beyond its immediate symptoms, affecting the immune system's memory and making individuals susceptible to other diseases. We've witnessed alarming rises in measles cases globally, with recent reports highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage.

In the United States, where measles was once declared eradicated, they have experienced outbreaks linked to close-knit communities, emphasizing the need for widespread immunity. Even in Canada, a recent case underscores the potential risk of measles making a comeback. A 2022 study revealed that our measles immunity is below the 95 percent threshold required for sustained elimination, putting us at risk of outbreaks.

It's crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of health threats. While the focus may be on COVID-19, the resurgence of measles could amplify the challenges we face. Measles not only poses a direct threat but also erases immunity to previously contracted diseases, including COVID-19. This underlines the importance of maintaining a robust defence against infectious diseases.

We understand the concerns surrounding vaccines, especially amid the misinformation that has circulated during the pandemic. However, let's focus on solutions that benefit everyone. Ventilation and air filtration improvements in public spaces, workplaces, and classrooms can contribute significantly to reducing the risk of airborne diseases.

Clean air is a universally agreed-upon necessity. By investing in technologies that ensure the air we breathe is safe, we take a proactive step in safeguarding our health and preventing the resurgence of diseases like measles. Let's prioritize the well-being of our communities and work together to create environments that promote health, happiness, and longevity.

Stay well, stay informed, and let's build a future free from the threat of preventable diseases.

The language of the heart

 In the intricate dance of love, challenges unfold,

As we strive to bridge the vast expanse, a story to be told.

The great difficulty, a formidable quest,

To traverse the abyss, where consciousness rests.

 

Bridging the gap between two souls' domains,

Understanding echoes, breaking through the chains.

Mapping the inner landscape, a journey profound,

Exploring trust and vulnerability, love's sacred ground.

 

Teaching one another the language of the heart,

Unveiling needs and desires, an intimate art.

In the tapestry of connection, threads are tightly woven,

A testament to the love, endlessly proven.

 

The difficulty of love, a formidable climb,

Yet, in the effort, a melody sublime.

For in understanding, the abyss dissolves,

And love blossoms, as two souls evolve.

 

So, let us navigate this delicate space,

With patience and grace, love we embrace.

Bridging consciousness, a dance of unity,

In the language of love, a timeless symphony.

To the love of my life, lets dance.

 In the poetry of life, the dance unfolds,

A burning violin, a tale to be told.

Dance me to your beauty, an enchanting embrace,

In the rhythm of kindness, a harmonious grace.

 

Through the panic of life, let kindness guide,

A dance that soothes, like a tranquil tide.

Gather me safely in your compassionate arms,

In the dance of empathy, where kindness warms.

 

Lift me as an olive branch, a symbol of peace,

In the dance of benevolence, worries cease.

Be my homeward dove, soaring above,

In the dance of generosity, boundless love.

 

To the end of love, let the dance extend,

A timeless waltz, a bond that won't bend.

In the ballroom of life, with stars above,

Witness the dance of kindness, a dance of love.

 

The burning violin plays a melody sweet,

In the dance of compassion, two hearts beat.

As kindness leads, in steps so light,

Dancing to the end of love, through the night.

 

So, let the dance continue, an eternal spin,

In the poetry of kindness, where spirits begin.

Dance me through the chapters, hand in glove,

A dance of kindness, a dance of endless love.