STAFF SPOTLIGHT
As our members come and go from our centre, our team members are always working hard to make your experience at the centre the best it can be. Many of you have likely met or talked to them, but may not have had the chance to properly meet them! For the next while, we will be picking one of our wonderful team members to introduce to our community each month.
Heather – Volunteer & Event Manager
What is your role and a typical day?
Volunteer and Event Manager. There really isn’t a typcial day at WESeniors. One day could include all of the following – chatting with members, running around with our Special Events committee setting up an event, reconciling raffle ticket sales, creating volunteer schedules, putting together a rental agreement for an anniversary party and unplugging a toilet. The variety keeps it interesting!
How long have you been with WESeniors?
10 years this past February
What music plays in your car?
I love a wide variety of music – 80’s New Romantic or electronic, Indie Rock/Pop, Alternative, the Glee or Mama Mia soundtrack or rehearsal tracks for songs from the various choirs I belong to.
What part of your work do you enjoy most?
The people. Seeing our regular volunteers each week, seeing a member who has been away for an extended time come back to the centre or working with my wonderfully quirky and dedicated co-workers always makes my day.
What are you most proud of?
I am especially proud of the Holiday markets that I started in 2019 at the centre. They have grown each year to include more gifted vendors, guests and dedicated volunteers. They’ve been so popular that we also added a spring market as well.
These markets encompass everything WESeniors – a place for vendors, most of whom are seniors, to share their talents and earn some extra income; a chance for our members to enjoy each other’s company socially while shopping and sharing lunch together and an opportunity for volunteers to connect with their peers and give back to the centre. They are a festive start to the spring and holiday season every year.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about your position?
My position encompases 4 different areas that often overlap – volunteers, events, fundraisers and facility rentals. Throw in the “other related job duties” and it makes for some very fun, busy and sometimes weirdly random days.
Hobbies or interests outside of work?
Hanging out with my family, hiking, bird watching, stained glass, watercolour painting, gardening, concerts and singing with both a barbershop chorus and pop/rock choir. I expect to have no shortage of things to keep me busy in future retirement.
Do you have a favourite memory or fun story from your time with WESeniors that you’d like to share?
One of my favourite memories was our drive through Volunteer Appreciation event during the pandemic. We set up the WSAC Drive in Diner in the parking lot where our volunteers could drive through, stay in their cars and enjoy a hot dog and treat bag. They all seemed so happy to see us. We had some 50’s tunes playing and staff dressed up. It was so amazing to see people come through that we hadn’t seen in months and gave the staff an opportunity to do something fun and show their appreciation.
What have you learned from seniors?
Understanding the different reasons why people volunteer has been a real learning experience for me. The conventional reasons of giving back and keeping busy are always there but I’ve learned that statements like ” It keeps my mind active”, “I’m making meaningful connections with my peers” and “It gives me a reason to get up in the morning” are just as common. Volunteering at our centre impacts all aspects of a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social health.
If you could master a new skill?
Playing an instrument. Have tried a few times but have never had the time to really pursue it.
Favorite song or book?
Save a Prayer – Duran Duran
Pickleball vs members?
I’ll bring the pom poms and hang out on the sidelines. No way I’m getting in the middle of that – they are hard core!