Volunteers at CHCC are caring in action. They give their time, energy and compassion to support residents in meaningful ways—whether it’s sharing a smile, lending a hand or attentively listening. Through these spotlights, we’ll introduce you to some of the kind people who help make life at CHCC brighter.
Editor’s note: Nicole Wright volunteers alongside her children, Jude and Elanor, who join her for Tuesday morning sing-alongs.
What year did you start volunteering at CHCC?
We started volunteering in 2024.
Do you have a personal connection to long-term care or a special reason why volunteering with seniors is meaningful to you?
We attend a different hymn sing led by Don, who also leads the sing-along at CHCC. He was the one who invited us to join. He said, “You’ve got to check it out! We have so much fun!”
What types of activities do you enjoy most as a volunteer?
Hymn Sing Week is our favorite of the sing-alongs.
Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while volunteering?
Even when the kids were younger, if they were having a grumpy morning, being here singing and visiting with everyone cheers them right up.
What positive experience(s) have you had with the residents?
I love that the kids’ singing brings the residents so much delight. As a bonus for us, the kids have an enthusiastic audience cheering them on as they grow their confidence and develop their musical skills. That goes for everything, actually. I have the kids bring in things they’ve made or written, and the residents celebrate and encourage them in all of their endeavors.
How does volunteering at CHCC fit into your routine and other activities? How often do you Volunteer?
The kids and I come every Tuesday morning for the sing-along.
If you could give someone who is considering volunteering at CHCC one piece of advice, what would it be?
There’s a quote I heard somewhere: “Some things are worth doing poorly.” It means that even if I’m not skilled at all, it’s still worth doing. Sometimes we need to focus more on walking toward a priority and less on the skill or gracefulness of the steps we’re taking to get there. Often, the thoughts in our minds that tell us how bad we are at something really don’t know what they’re talking about.