Henri and Johanna like to keep busy. That’s why they retired twice.
“We needed something to do,” Johanna said with a laugh. “We realized that we weren’t ready to settle down yet.”
Originally from The Netherlands, they came to Canada in 1968, and in 1985 they moved to Parksville Qualicum Beach from Alberta. Initially they had thought they might retire at that time, but then decided to go back to Alberta and run a hotel for five years.
When they came back to the area a second time, they found out about Society of Organized Services (SOS).
“I think SOS supports very good causes,” Johanna said. “I think it’s absolutely wonderful, I haven’t seen anything like it anywhere.”
“Not on this scale,” Henri added.
SOS is celebrating National Volunteer Week April 23-29. As a volunteer-based non-profit organization, SOS has more than 350 volunteers in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.
Henri tests donated electrical equipment at the SOS Thrift Shop once a week, and Johanna tags clothing and merchandise in the back. Henri said volunteering is good for retired folks because it helps give you a little push to get up and out, and contribute to the community. “Everybody should do it,” he said. “It’s good for your soul.”
More than 80 per cent of SOS funding comes from the thrift shop, enabling the organization to offer free and subsidized programs and services to residents.
Amy Weisner began volunteering for a completely different reason. When she started with SOS she was preparing to start her Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at VIU.
“Volunteering has given me insight on possible career paths I could pursue with the degree I am currently working on,” she said. “Being able to witness the work firsthand has been incredibly valuable.”
Weisner volunteers in the TIC TAC program (Time in Comfort for Tots and Caregivers), supporting children while they enjoy free play and crafts while their parents take a much-needed break.
She said volunteering gives her a change in pace during her school week and gives her a chance to have “some good, clean fun with some really great kids.” She said she encourages young people to volunteer as it helps to open doors, the life experience is incredibly beneficial, and it also looks great on resuméts and university applications.
“Volunteering also gives back to the community, which makes a real impact in small towns such as Parksville and Qualicum,” she said.
Diane Noble spends a lot of time volunteering at SOS. She said she can’t get enough of people, and that’s why she volunteers at the thrift shop three days a week and is also a friendly visitor with the Oceanside Better at Home Program twice a week. In that program she visits with Peter, a retired chiropractor and architect.
“I really enjoy being around gentlemen, I know they have interesting stories to tell,” Noble said.
Noble’s father passed away in 1990 and she used to love to play crib with him, she said, something she now does with Peter.
The Oceanside Better at Home program is a partnership with United Way of the Lower Mainland and funded by the B.C. Government. Peter says he enjoys spending time with Diane, sharing stories, going for walks on the beach, and playing cards. Diane said the feeling is mutual. “He is wonderful. I go through a lot of aches and pains with my problems, but knowing that Tuesdays and Thursdays I’m going to spend with Peter, being around him brings me up.”
National Volunteer Week is celebrated throughout Canada and the United States. SOS will be hosting a volunteer luncheon and years of service award ceremony for active volunteers on April 25. For more information on volunteering at SOS visit www.sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093.