Veteran Volunteerism Initiative Launched

"I first discovered the Perley Health in 2009 when I researching organizations with which to practice my French during my French military course. I practiced French with Veterans while serving ice cream. I interacted with many Veterans during that time and got to hear some of their incredible stories.

After my French course was completed I enjoyed my time at the Perley so much I continued volunteering when my schedule allowed it. My next endeavour at the Perley was assisting the Physio team in running the exercise classes as well individual exercise programs. This lasted for several years at which point I found my real passion.

I started volunteering in the Veterans wing which I thoroughly enjoyed. Being in the Military (Army) myself, a bond of brotherhood formed between myself and many of the vets. I will tell you, the time I spent at the Perley was always the best parts of my week, The Recreation Programmer team which I worked with were such a loving and caring team who put the needs of the Veterans above themselves, something I tried to emulate. They were a pleasure to work with.

As a volunteer I performed many tasks which included feeding, playing cards, 1 on 1 visits, helping to porter Veterans to various events and concerts and helping out with special events. I did pretty well any task that the team required me to do. The time I spent with the Veterans was very enjoyable as I got to hear some of their stories and build friendships.
As I continued to volunteer I met several Veterans who were in the same trade as me, they paved the way for what I was able to accomplish during my career. I was grateful to be named the Volunteer of the Year in 2019. Just the thought of being nominated with so many other amazing volunteers was a great honour. I was presented with the plaque from one of my good friends who was an amazing hero and outstanding Veteran of WW II.

In closing I would like to say that volunteering at the Perley Health is the most rewarding experience in my life. While in the military I encouraged my subordinates to become a Volunteer at the Perley Health and told them that it would be the most rewarding experience of their career. Entering my 16th year of Volunteering I look forward to many more years to come."

Hear from Master Warrant Officer Tony Cobden, (Ret'd)

"Volunteering at Perley Health has been a profoundly rewarding experience for me,” says Trish Arthurs, Captain (RCN) retired P.L., OMM, CD. It's incredibly humbling to hear the stories, wisdom, and laughter of the elderly residents. Through my visiting, I've developed meaningful connections and formed an appreciation for the importance of companionship and human connection, especially in the later stages of life. Being able to give back to those who have contributed so much to society is an honour, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have an impact on their lives. Volunteering has truly enriched my life as a Veteran."

"Military members have a unique bond that is forged through years of serving together,” says Master Corporal, Ray Syed. “We understand, sympathise, and empathise with each other in ways that most civilians cannot.  Helping our Veterans keep this special bond through support, compassion, and companionship has its own rewards.  Volunteering with the Perley Veterans is how I contribute to both our well-being."

“Volunteering at the Perley has been a very rewarding and wonderful experience and eye opening. Although my time has been short there, I have been welcomed with open arms and the staff has been just wonderful. I decided to start volunteering at Perley because I wanted to specifically spend some time getting to know the last of the WWll and Korean War Veterans or (The Last of the Greatest Generation) as you would call them. With both my grandparents being WWll Veterans I felt a strong connection to that generation. Being a retired Corporal of 12 years of the combat arms myself, I felt that I could really relate and communicate with Veterans, having been through a lot of their similar experiences and hardships myself. It's important that Veterans, past and present, have comradery and can find common ground with volunteers they spend their time with each day, and who better to do that than an actual Veteran themselves! I highly recommend to all Veterans and people around the area that you all consider this as one way to give back to the community and volunteer as well because these really are incredible people and the stories they share and the bonds you create maybe more impactful than you can ever know. You can meet all sorts of fighting men and woman here from the air, land and sea and experience it for yourself. I firmly believe the key to longevity is social utility and I personally intend to ensure their survival for still a few years to come because once they're gone that's it, there will be no more ties to the history that shaped the world and the ideals and freedoms that their very brothers and sisters sacrificed for us so long ago. Their lives are but one colourful thread in the fabric of Canada's history.”