– by Doreen Marion Gee –
An unknown author once wrote, “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.” Volunteers enrich and build our community in more ways than we could ever imagine. They are the catalyst that makes things happen. The volunteers at Peninsula Elder College are a shining example of caring community engagement.
Peninsula Elder College, a program offered through Panorama Recreation Centre, provides a variety of interesting courses for people over fifty with young minds and a passion for learning. This innovative program is only made possible by their talented volunteers. To Dustin Ray-Wilks, an Elder College coordinator, many local volunteers are “key players in the delivery of community programs and services.” They provide the manpower not available anywhere else. Because volunteers keep the costs down, services and programs are lower-priced and accessible to everyone. Accordingly, the hard-working volunteers who teach the courses and sit on the advisory committee at Peninsula Elder College are paving the way for anyone from any walk of life to get an enriching life-changing experience.
Dustin is deeply grateful for the expertise of the volunteer instructors who bring a life-time of experience and knowledge to the classroom: “I appreciate the skills they bring to the community. The volunteers energize people, getting them excited about something new and interesting. The instructors give the participants new directions in their lives, new interests and knowledge. They enrich their lives.”
Cliff Cunningham teaches “Travel for Seniors” at Peninsula Elder College and joins his wife in “Cliff and Diana’s Travelogues.” They love what they do: “We benefit from the satisfaction of sharing our experience and knowledge.” Cliff encourages other local people to “consider volunteering because everyone has something to offer.” He feels that their classes truly help seniors by giving them valuable tips for safe, comfortable travelling and by offering a thrilling ride for the ‘armchair’ adventurer. “We received very positive feedback” from participants.
The Volunteer Advisory Committee is always looking for skilled instructors to bring their talents to the classroom and keep the Peninsula Elder College program vibrant and interesting. In appreciation of their wonderful volunteer instructors, they offer a small honorarium.
As Dustin says: “Peninsula Elder College creates connections in the brain and in the community.” To him, a major contribution of the volunteer instructors is building a sense of community: “They instill so much passion in the participants that they are making friends in the class and getting together afterwards for coffee.” The amazing volunteers at Peninsula Elder College are community-builders, the foundation supporting this life-enhancing program for seniors. They make it all possible.
Contact: www.peninsulaeldercollege.ca
