‘I know I am doing something worthwhile for people in need’

Being a volunteer at the Jewish Home for the Aged and helping the residents as much as possible makes me feel good, knowing that I am doing something worthwhile for people in need.

I became involved as a volunteer at the Jewish Home in 1995 after my wife, Isabel, who was suffering with Alzheimer's disease, moved into the Home.

I am 80 years old and my attitude is that growing older doesn't mean slowing down or living a passive life. Caring and helping others and exercising helps me remain active and stay in good physical and mental health.

I volunteer about 15 to 20 hours per month. My volunteer work consists of visiting friends and others like Leona Inger and Birdie Ginsler, or shmoozing with Erna Neubauer. I help with serving at the Shabbat Canteen weekly.

Being fluent in Russian, I also sometimes help with translation for the Russian-speaking residents and bring them three different Russian newspapers.

It makes me happy seeing smiles on the faces of the Russian-speaking residents when they receive newspapers in their native language.