Editor’s note: April is recognized as National Volunteer Appreciation Month and the week of April 19 marks National Volunteer Week so this inspiring write-up from Stan Cameron could not be more timely. We are grateful to Stan for this piece and to him and all volunteers who intentionally take the time to serve their community. Need some inspiration? You’ll find it here.
Photo above: (L to R) Stan with Pam Stratton, Helen Hydon, Jan Ferreira – his three Sunday Bethell Hospice volunteer teammates for the last 13 years.
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In my own words an example of the meaning of the word “altruism” is when we give for love of giving; help for the love of helping, with no expectation of anything in return, and it might cost us something along the way to do that.
By formal definition, “altruism is the unselfish concern for, and devotion to, the welfare of others, often involving actions that benefit someone else at a cost or risk to oneself.”
In his international best-selling book (10 million copies sold in 24 different languages as of his passing in 1997) Man’s Search for Meaning, Dr. Victor Frankl’s message was that “when we give to others, we feel better about ourselves.”
During this tough time with high prices of everything from food to fuel to family activities, with controlling local governments and international strife, it feels like a good time to talk about ways and values of doing something locally to help others.
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali
Here in Caledon, there are so many ways we can get involved, even for a short time, to help many local organizations and programs that serve children, youth, elderly, families, and various groups in need.
Some places or programs we can help are: Bethell Hospice, Caledon Community Services, Meals on Wheels, Caledon Public Libraries, Schools, Parent Councils, Agricultural Societies, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Peel, Boys and Girls Club of Peel, Long Term Care, EarlyON, Sports Teams, Churches, Animal Shelter, Volunteer MBC, Cancer Society, Hospitals, Community Cleanup, and many others.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi
With Caledon East Merchants men’s fastball team
I moved to Caledon East over 50 years ago. As a young man then I felt welcomed and encouraged to be an active part of this community. The first person I met was Harry Davis, he of the Davis Family Farm on Mountainview Rd just south of Walker Road West. Harry befriended this newcomer to his village. I have always been grateful for the invitation he gave me just weeks after moving here to try out for the Caledon East Merchants men’s competitive fastball team. It was coordinated and run by volunteers like Harry and others. I tried out. I made it. It was those wonderful volunteers who helped me make friends in the village that I am still connected closely with today. It was fun belonging to a competitive sports team, but those competition days eventually came to an end. The friendships have lasted forever.
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.” – Heather French Henry
With Bolton Bruins Novice (7 & 8 yr olds) hockey team playing at Maple Leaf Gardens in the Timmy Tyke Tournament
With my love of sports and activity at some point I saw an advertisement in the paper for volunteer minor hockey coaches. I recruited my three closest friends, followed that advert up and we spent the next 12 years coaching & teaching kids about a game we all loved. Those 7- & 8-year-olds from that first Novice team are now 48 years old. With families of their own, homes, jobs, and busy lives that for many also now involves volunteering in some way in their community.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
In Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel’s In-School Mentoring Program
Shortly after my minor hockey coaching career came to an end, I saw a story in the local paper about how Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Peel was looking for volunteers to help in their “In-School Mentoring Program.” Also highlighted as “The Power of An Hour,” this program involved giving 1 hour a week to a student who needed a friend. I signed up and worked with the same little guy once a week during the school year. From grade 5 to grade 8 inclusive. Not as a parent, a teacher, or a supervisor. Just an hour of activity and a chance to talk to a caring adult. A super feeling came many years later when he was attending university, he emailed and asked if I could act as a reference for a job he was applying for at the university. Of course, I said yes. When the university called, and I gave them all the truthful positives about their candidate, they finished the interview by saying they would be hiring him. I was so happy that I could help him.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
Stan recognized for participation in the Home James program
Stan Janes & Diane Tolstoy used their volunteer focus to start up a safe arrival program in Caledon. At first it was called “Operation Rednose,” later it changed to “Home James.” Seeing this request for volunteers I called Stan & Diane and was easily convinced that this was an important way to help drivers and others get home safely. Ten years of volunteering at special events with friends felt like we were making a difference and helping keep our community safer.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
An Award of Distinction from Bethell Hospice
Now approaching year 14 as a volunteer Resident Support Worker every second Sunday at Bethell Hospice, it has been a special experience for me. All those years ago while in training sessions our cohort of volunteers heard our amazing trainer, Rami Shami, say, “it’s a privilege to be a part of someone’s end of life journey.” Not quite understanding that while in those sessions, it is something I understand, value, and appreciate today. Another incredible gift I’ve received from this giving experience is how I have had the privilege of working with the same three teammates for that past 13 years. Pam Stratten, Helen Hydon and Jan Ferriera and I have become close friends as we do what we can to help residents and their families through a challenging time. I often remind families, “I’m sorry that your family needs hospice care, but I’m grateful that we can be here to help you.”
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
About 9 years ago I decided to see if I could donate blood. Soon I’ll hit a milestone donation. Not a high number when I compare that to the amazing donors who are at and well over 100 donations. They are the real champions at donating blood. What excited me to continue to donate after the first time was when a phlebotomist said, “thanks for donating today. On Tuesday your blood will likely be in an OR helping someone through breast cancer surgery.” Wow! I remember that feeling every time I give. I respect that not everyone can donate their blood. For those who can my message is if you can handle a mosquito bite, you can do this.
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” – Sherry Anderson
One final message of encouragement, “If you have something to give…can you give it now?”
