When faced with free time after retiring in 2003, Eliza Ngan started visiting Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) to pass the time.
“I live very close by… I [came to CNH] to do all kinds of exercise in the mornings, I also joined tai chi and yoga,” says Eliza. “I started coming here to socialize with a whole bunch of other seniors since they’re always close by.”
“I know everybody here, every one of them because I’ve been exercising here every morning for so long. The [faces of the] people may change but they’re so friendly.”
In addition to exercising, Eliza started volunteering for CNH two years later–and has been helping out ever since. She started helping in the kitchen on and off in 2005, then began facilitating the weekly coffee social program for seniors and older adults in 2017. Eliza says these activities helped shape her routine and socialization, especially since she lives alone.
“I’m by myself so I didn’t want to be alone. I like people, I like to socialize,” she says. “I like to keep myself busy. I still do my housework, change my sheets, do my laundry, everything.”
While Eliza says she appreciated the regimen volunteering at CNH gave her, she had to take a break in 2022 when she was recovering from health issues and dealing with subsequent issues. Despite this, she was back to helping at CNH as soon as she was cleared to do so.
“Really, I just wanted to do something and get out of my house,” she explains. “Whatever people ask, whatever I can do, I do.”
“I don’t mind the time, [even though I’m now] getting tired easier. I’ll keep coming and coming so long as I can [do it].”
Eliza encourages people interested in volunteering, especially younger folks, to help whenever possible.
“Just tell them what to do and be friendly. I’ll do what I can and help them, and make them feel good to be here,” says Eliza.
This story was originally written for our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at CNH at cnh.bc.ca/volunteer.