Twenty Years of Compassion
The Story of a Yee Hong Volunteer
At Yee Hong, volunteers are at the heart of creating a caring and compassionate community for seniors and their families, bringing kindness, companionship, and connection to the lives of older adults every day.
One of these dedicated volunteers is Margaret Chiu who has been volunteering at Yee Hong for more than 20 years in the Long-Term Care Adult Day Program. In recognition of her unwavering commitment and dedicated service, she received the Silver Volunteer Recognition Award at Yee Hong’s Volunteer Recognition Day and the Canada Strong Medal, presented by MP Shaun Chen, honouring her passion, dedication, and longstanding contributions to the community.
“Some of my friends don’t understand why I’ve been volunteering with seniors for so many years,” says Margaret. “They think I’m foolish. They ask, ‘Seniors inevitably grow frail, become ill, and eventually pass away. Isn’t it heartbreaking to watch the people you serve decline and leave?’ I tell them that although volunteering with seniors isn’t always easy, volunteering makes me happy.”
Many seniors live with chronic illnesses, which may also affect their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Margaret has learned that patience, empathy, and understanding are essential in building meaningful relationships.
She recalls one resident who sat quietly without speaking. While Margaret was feeding her, the resident kept the food in her mouth without swallowing and suddenly spilled it all over Margaret. On another occasion, while leading a group activity, a resident looked at her and said, “Do you think I’m a child?”
Rather than feeling discouraged, Margaret saw these moments as opportunities to better understand each person’s needs, personality, and life experiences.
One experience that stayed with her was while she was reading the daily news to seniors. When she mentioned the Second Sino-Japanese War, one resident suddenly asked her to stop. The room became quiet and the moment felt uncomfortable. Later, Margaret learned that the resident had personally experienced painful memories from that period.
“These experiences remind me that every person carries a lifetime of stories, memories, and experiences that we may never fully know,” states Margaret.
Many people think volunteering is only about giving to others. For Margaret, volunteering gives back in unexpected ways. It has broadened her perspective, helped her understand life more deeply, and provided a meaningful opportunity to express her love and care for others.
“Through volunteering, you will gain unexpected experiences and meaningful insights. Along the way, you will come to know yourself, others, and the world more deeply,” she explains.
Margaret’s 20-year journey reminds us that a simple act of kindness can create a lasting impact.
The Volunteer Development Team is part of Yee Hong’s Community & Professional Services division. They recruit, train, and support volunteers who help seniors enjoy a more fulfilling life every day.
Join Yee Hong’s volunteer family today. Whether you have a few hours each week or a few hours each month, your time, compassion, and talents can make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and their families.
More information on volunteering at Yee Hong can be found on our website.
Together, we can build a more connected, caring, and compassionate community.
