Our resident, Edith, shares her experience of volunteering with us (this is a photo of her below doing outdoor yoga on our campus):

 

“I was a member and volunteer with Hubertushaus. During Oktoberfest I helped decorate the hall and then I worked in the kitchen while my husband looked after the RollBraten on the spit outside. I enjoy volunteering as it is a way to work with and connect with youth and younger adults. As a lifelong volunteer I have learned that volunteering gives us opportunities to learn from one another”.

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Meet Janet. Over the past year, Janet has shared her gift of music and teaching by providing mini concerts for residents and leading a small group through a Lenten Series. (below is a photo of Janet playing piano for those living in Parkview Suites Memory Care)

 

Janet and her family express gratitude and appreciation for everyone at Luther Village for creating a bright and friendly environment. Janet says, “We knew our dad was receiving the best of care and support. Also high on our list of importance was the spiritual care Dad received on an individual basis, and from the various sacred concerts and church services. Luther Village has a special place in our hearts, and I am very happy to be able to contribute something back through music and Bible study.”

volunteer playing piano

Not only are we helping others when we volunteer – it is also beneficial to our well-being! Below are three ways volunteering can improve our physical and mental health.

Volunteering provides a sense of meaning and purpose: It allows us to be part of something larger than our self. Volunteering increases our compassion for others

Volunteering promotes staying active and physical healthy: Research has shown that older adults who volunteer find it easier to cope with daily tasks, have reduced symptoms of chronic pain, and are less likely to develop heart disease and high blood pressure.

Volunteering makes us happy: Humans are very social creatures that depend on one another, and when we help others, we release hormones that make us feel good!

If you are interested in volunteering, you can start by reaching out to organizations that support causes you feel passionate about, talking with members of your faith community, or start right here at Luther Village!

Not sure where to get started? Check out Volunteer Action Center, a Waterloo organization that connects individuals with organizations for volunteer opportunities. https://www.volunteerwr.ca/index.php

References

Ableto. (n.d.) 7 mental health benefits of volunteering. Retrieved from https://www.ableto.com/resources/mental-health-benefits-of-volunteering/

HelpGuide. (2020) Volunteering and its surprising benefits. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm