A deathly fear of water brought Jill Frances Siebert to the YMCA.

Along with overcoming her fear, she has also found a second home there through volunteering.

sa国际传媒淚 have been volunteering for almost 40 years. The Y taught me how to swim. Two girls named Jill and Laurie got me over my fear and then taught me how to swim,sa国际传媒� recalled Jill.

sa国际传媒淏efore the pandemic, I was volunteering in aquatics helping the children which I really enjoy. Because of COVID I cannot do that, so I am volunteering in the office instead.sa国际传媒�

Originally from England, Jill moved to the Central Okanagan in 1948.

sa国际传媒淚 was adopted into a family with five boys then me and then there was one more boy after me,sa国际传媒� explained Jill.

sa国际传媒淚 love to have my kids around me, I have four sons, 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Boys prevail in my family. I am very fortunate that they all live near by in the Okanagan.sa国际传媒�

Jill volunteers because she likes to feel needed and to contribute, to be active and being around people.

sa国际传媒淚 love the comradery. I am always delighted to be with everyone when I come over to volunteer. You get to meet different kinds of people. Some you stay friends with forever and that is so big and deep. You cannot get that anywhere else,sa国际传媒� she said, encouraging others to pursue their volunteer interests.

Jillsa国际传媒檚 volunteer story reflects so many of the reasons the Government of Canada has funded the Volunteer55 project through the New Horizons for Seniors program.

Volunteering helps older adults stay engaged and connected, as their commitment to non-profit organizations makes a huge impact in the community.

If you are looking for opportunities to be involved sa国际传媒� no matter your age sa国际传媒� contact KCR Community Resources about the VolunteerConnector, an online volunteer platform that can match you with the perfect opportunity for your skills and passions.

More information is available at www.kcr.ca or contact Emily at emily@kcr.ca or 250-763-8008 x141.

As Jill says, volunteering lets her sa国际传媒渇eel fulfilled. The fact that when I get up, I know I am needed and respected, that is so nice, to have that feeling that someplace needs me!sa国际传媒�

READ MORE: KCR: Volunteering is, finding your passion

READ MORE: KCR: Celebrating volunteers and launch of Volunteer55

Dorothee Birker is the communications and development coordinator for KCR Community Resources, a multi-service agency offering programs and services to meet community, family and individual needs.