(From left to right: Ronnie and a Second Mile Club member)

Seventeen years ago, Ronnie walked through the doors of Kensington Health with the weight of being a caregiver to her mother on her shoulders. What she didn’t know then was those steps would lead to healing, personal growth, and a sense of community that has lasted nearly two decades.

Ronnie was a caregiver to her mother, who lived at the Gardens, our long-term care home. Years later, she would also cared for her husband who lived at our hospice. The journey, she says, was “at times challenging, but the staff showed us kindness, and that made me want to give back in my own way.”

“During the time when I volunteered at both facilities, not only was I giving back to a great community, but it also provided me with comfort and purpose during some of my most testing times,” Ronnie says.

At the Gardens, Ronnie organized Shabbat services, while at the hospice she was a friendly visitor. As she became more involved, she realized that the training she received as a Kensington volunteer — especially in caring for those with dementia — was invaluable not only for her work but also in her personal life. This training gave her tools to support her loved ones and offered her peace of mind.

After her husband and mother died, Ronnie retired from her job as a museum educator at the Black Creek Village and was uncertain about her next volunteer role. She says, “I was an older adult at this point. I wasn’t sure what use I could be, but I wanted to continue volunteering.”

With guidance from Kensington’s Volunteer Coordinator, she found the perfect fit at the Second Mile Club — a vibrant and supportive community of members ranging in age from 50 to 103, where Ronnie could serve food and be a companion to others in her age group.

“I’ll call out bingo numbers, which is an easy task, but it’s the type that brings people together. I love doing it because it reminds me of my mother, who also loved bingo.” These moments help her stay connected to her community while honouring and remembering her loved ones.

For Ronnie, the Second Mile Club was not just a volunteer opportunity, it was the right place at the right time.

“In this community, members look out for one another. I’m lucky to have found a place where my children don't have to worry about me,” she says. Surrounded by people with similar interests who are in the same phase of life, and with a supportive group of friends who care for each other like family, she has thrived.

Now 70 years old and having volunteered with the Second Mile Club for six years, Ronnie is a passionate advocate for seniors actively participating in their communities. She encourages other seniors not to shy away from volunteering, assuring them that it’s never too late to learn a new skill.

“Seniors have a wealth of wisdom and experiences to share, and even small contributions like calling out bingo numbers, filling spots in bridge games, or serving meals can make a meaningful impact.”

If you’re interested in exploring the volunteer opportunities at Kensington Health, click here. For more information about joining the Second Mile Club, click here.