We are excited to release another post in our series, “Faces of LINKages”
In this edition we are introducing another star volunteer. Read along to get know one of the many amazing people that help make LINKages work.
Meet Lauren!
Name: Lauren
Type of Volunteer: Community Volunteer
When did you join LINKages Society, and what do/did you do in your volunteer role?
I joined linkages society in October 2017. My role as a volunteer was to engage in organized activities and bridge the gap between seniors and youth.
What was your favorite volunteering experience, event/program, or interaction? What made it special?
I have many favourite experiences and interactions so it’s hard for me to choose just one The most memorable and special. The one that does stand out for me is paint night because I was able to engage in two of the things I love most, painting and sharing stories with seniors. It was a fantastic night with a ton of laughs and amazing creativity.
How did volunteering with LINKages Society make a difference in your own life as well as others?
Linkages has enabled me to come out of my comfort zone a little more and experience lots of fun new activities. I feel a sense of belonging I’ve never had before and that’s helped to boost my confidence immensely. I really feel that both the seniors and myself have benefited from being able to have fun and safe comfortable settings. We have been able to share stories and laughter together for a few hours and I know that not only takes loneliness away it takes away from all the things we worry about for a little while.
What else are you involved in? This can be your program you’re taking in school, or other extra-curricular activities.
Currently I’m not involved in anything other than linkages at the moment.
Please tell us what your future endeavors are! (This does not have to be related to LINKages; it can refer to your future career aspirations, plans to travel, etc.)
I really hope to still be a part of linkages in the future. I’m also hoping to travel and learn more about different cultures and languages, as well I would really like to become more involved in other organizations to help more people in anyway that I can.
We are so happy to have Lauren as a volunteer at LINKages, and her efforts definitely speak to our goal of contributing to community development and inter-generational friendships between youth and seniors!