Stockings for Seniors was initiated in 2022 by islanders Brad Hefferon and Sylvia Andress. The idea was to provide stockings containing small gifts to Salt Spring seniors at Christmas time.
Volunteer extraordinaire Kim Ballantyne then stepped up to handle coordination and now leads a team of welcoming volunteers under the umbrella of the Lady Minto Hospital Auxiliary. Kim tells us about the Stockings for Seniors initiative and her experience as a volunteer in her answers to our questions below.
To find out more or to help with this fun, feel-good program, email Kim Ballantyne at rielly@telus.net.
Q. How long have you been volunteering with Stockings for Seniors?
A. Three years organizing the program and delivering stocking to seniors.
Q. What attracted you to this particular initiative?
A. I was concerned that some seniors on our island may be on their own and all alone over the holidays with nothing to open on Christmas.
Q. What role do you have now and what other roles have you had?
A. I am second vice-president of the Lady Minto Hospital Auxiliary Society, liaison to Greenwoods Eldercare, chair for Stockings for Seniors and have a shift in the auxiliary’s Thrift Shop on Thursday afternoons.
Q. What past experience have you had that has been helpful in this role?
A. I have been on the boards of Salt Spring Literacy, Greenwoods Eldercare Society and Greenwoods Foundation, delivered Meals on Wheels in Calgary, Vancouver and on Salt Spring.
Q. What do you like best about volunteering with Stockings for Seniors?
A. The people: the other volunteers and especially meeting some of the recipients of the stockings. Also knowing that I am giving back to our community and making someone happy at Christmas time.
Q. What is something that has surprised you or you did not expect?
A. How many seniors in our community are completely alone.
Q. Is there an anecdote or memory you have that epitomizes the volunteer experience for you?
A. The one woman who was in tears telling me that this was the only thing that would be under her tree this year.
Q. What are a few traits that would be helpful for potential volunteers to have?
A. Being friendly and wanting to have fun while helping others.
Q. How long have you lived on Salt Spring Island?
A. Full time 15 years, part time 35 years.
Q. How else might islanders know you?
A. From volunteering at Salt Spring Literacy and running the Giant Book Sale as well as volunteering at Greenwoods.
Q. In a nutshell, why would you recommend volunteering with your group?
A. Because it is a great way to volunteer. You will be helping many seniors in our community while having fun and making friends. Where else do you get to wear a Santa hat and play the good elf at Christmas time?