When weekends feel a little too quiet, Pauline Howard brings colour, conversation, and connection to the halls of Caressant Care Cobden Retirement Home. With her craft class on the weekend and a warm smile on her face, Pauline turns a simple weekend into something special.
This National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to highlight volunteers like Pauline, whose small gestures create lasting memories. The 2025 theme, ‘Volunteers Make Waves,’ celebrates the power of volunteerism to inspire, uplift and connect. Every act of kindness ripples outward, shaping a stronger, more caring community.
Pauline’s connection to Caressant Care runs deep. Her mother has been a resident for almost ten years, and through regular visits, Pauline saw a chance to do more. “I enjoy the chats… I just enjoy the people. I’m a people person,” she said.
Wanting to brighten up quiet weekends, she began leading Saturday morning craft sessions for residents. “I usually arrive at 9:30 to set up, and we always have treats after the craft. I like to give everyone time to relax and enjoy their morning.”
Pauline’s thoughtfulness shines through in her approach to crafting. When she plans her craft sessions, she always considers the residents’ abilities, making sure the projects are accessible to everyone, even those who may have limited mobility or dexterity. “You don’t always think about that when you’re putting crafts together, that they might not have the mobility or dexterity in their hands,” she shared. “So, if I’m looking at one, I always make sure it’s something that they can do.”
When asked what volunteering means to her, she said, “Sometimes all you need to do is smile at someone, and they’ll smile back. That’s enough. I always leave with a good heart. It feeds my soul.”
She is one of many individuals at Caressant Care who give their time to brighten someone’s day.
Another familiar face is Diane Bulmer, now in her late 80s, who has been volunteering at Caressant Care for nearly 20 years. A former kindergarten teacher at Cobden Public School, Diane shares her gift for music by playing the piano for residents. Despite having limited eyesight, she jokes with a smile that it ‘doesn’t affect her fingers.’
Each week, Diane’s music fills the house with warmth. Even after losing much of her eyesight to macular degeneration, Diane continues to play entirely from memory, creating monthly themed song sets that residents can sing along to. “They know the old songs,” Diane says with a smile. “Once you get them started, they just keep going. They love it.” Residents gather around the piano, singing and chatting as they enjoy the familiar melodies. “I love that it brings smiles to the residents,” Diane says. “You can see the little toes tapping sometimes … because it’s bringing back happy memories.” Diane’s performances are a highlight at Caressant Care Cobden. As Doris, the home’s Activity Coordinator, shared, “If you hear Diane play, it’s like none other. She just makes that piano talk.”
Diane credits the leadership of Doris, Cobden’s Activity Director, and Laurie, the home’s Retirement Manager, for the success of the volunteer program at Caressant Care Cobden. As she explains, “But without the leaders that we have here, Doris, and Laurie, it wouldn’t work the same,” adding, “Caressant Care Cobden is in wonderful, caring, loving hands. I wanted to say that.”
Her advice to others thinking about volunteering?
“When you help someone, you get that good feeling. I’d tell anyone thinking about volunteering to just try it. You’ll learn to love it and get to know the residents. Sometimes, all they want is someone to talk to. And if you can be a good listener, that’s enough.”
This National Volunteer Week, Caressant Care Homes would like to send a big thank you to all of our incredible volunteers, activity directors and everyone who takes the time to visit and connect with our residents. Your kindness makes such a difference — one craft, one song and one smile at a time.
