When members arrive for Tuesday morning activities their friendly greeter Kati checks them in before the good vibe is amped up even more with Merilee at the front desk. So the SSAC manager sat down with her to find out why she chooses to volunteer and how she always seems so positive.
Eric: So young lady, what’s your story?
Merilee: Well, after separation, raising my kids, and becoming an empty nester in North Vancouver, I decided to fix up an old 1948 wooden boat and live on Saltspring Island. This led me to Victoria where I ran an orthopedic clinic while also volunteering with the Coast Guard auxiliary before moving out here.
E: Oh so you’ve had experience as a volunteer. How did you become a volunteer at the SSAC?
M: My bestie and I thought it would be fun to volunteer together . . . so we did. We started out in the kitchen but then the pandemic hit. Since then I have moved over to the office.
E: Why do you do it?
M: Even though I am a self-described homebody it can get pretty boring, being at home all day so I really look forward to coming in. It gives me a reason to dress up nicely and, if you ask my friends, evidently I am quite the social person.
E: Great! So what message do you have for others in the community?
M: When I hear about the challenges folks face, it often seems to boil down to loneliness. So I say why not give it a try (volunteering at the SSAC). You get to meet interesting people, socialize and I always seem to be learning something new. Use it or lose it, they say.
E: At this golden era of life, what is your biggest inspiration?
M: I’d say spending time with my family. I’m fortunate to have five grandkids and, with my daughter and her husband living here, this gives me the opportunity to do fun things with the people I love.
