After 40 years, Lyne Moreau still loves the work she does with Oak Bay Volunteer Services Society and sees no end in sight.
She has done all the work a volunteer can do with the organization and would absolutely recommend it to anyone. “You’re crazy if you don’t,” she laughed.
These days, Moreau no longer lives in the community but still finds a way to stay connected and help connect residents to the outside world with daily phone calls.
“There are people who still need a call every day just to know someone cares,” she said.
John Hurlburt joined after retirement, determined to stay in the community. He started driving a lot. Oak Bay Volunteer Services offers rides to medical appointments, recreational activities, errands and essential shopping.
With his own mobility hampered these days, he fills a lot of envelopes. The two long-time volunteers agree that it can be a tedious but enjoyable group task.
“It’s a great way to meet people,” Moreau said.
The couple were the oldest recognized volunteers as the Oak Bay Volunteer Services Society celebrated 45 years and thanked its team for the talent, compassion and joy they bring to the community with a party on June 14.
“We regularly receive calls and letters from clients attesting to the caring and kindness of our volunteers, so thank you for sharing your time and talents with each of them. We couldn’t do it without you,” said executive director Renee Lorme-Gulbrandsen.
She manages the numbers and the 200 volunteers helped 500 clients during the year, providing 4,500 services in 10,200 hours. Welfare phone calls, shopping and deliveries accounted for more than half of the services provided last year.
To learn more, visit oakbayvolunteers.org.
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