ASC Community Service Scholarship Recipient - Madison Lust

She has traveled to Monaco to represent Manitoba at the International Tourism Case-Study conference. She has represented Canada on an International Girl Guide Tour to Switzerland. She takes on new challenges with determination and enthusiasm. She is a true trailblazer. And she is only 18 years of age. 

Thank you Madison and all the best in University.

Madison Lust has always felt an innate need to be involved in the community and to be of help to others. It’s an amazing quality to find in a teenager and, perhaps even more inspiring, this insightful young lady plans to continue on the path of altruism for many years to come.

Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence is among the many organizations Madison gives her time to. Every week at Sturgeon Creek II she leads a walking club, coaches Wii sports games and conducts a current events discussion on Saturday morning. “I learn so much when [the tenants and I] talk about current events,” explains Madison. “We compare ways in which we deal with issues today and how they would be dealt with in the past by a different generation of people…it’s mental stimulation for all of us!” This desire to connect with seniors, as well as her thirst for knowledge, has earned Madison one of the All Seniors Care Community Service Scholarships for 2012.

The purpose of the Scholarship is to provide financial help to talented and dedicated student volunteers. The Scholarship is open to any Manitoba student who has met the ASC Community Service Scholarship application criteria and is enrolled in post-secondary education. Even as she continues on with her schooling, Madison hopes to stay involved with Sturgeon Creek II for many years to come.

Wii Bowling action at ASC

“It is a great experience where you learn so many different skills. I used to be a very shy person. The tenants have welcomed me with open arms. This made me feel safe and helped me overcome my shyness.” She even recounts a story where a tenant told Madison she reminded her of her granddaughter. “It made me realize that we all lead such fast-paced lives, and sometimes families can’t visit their loved ones as often as they’d like. I realized then how valuable my volunteer work is.” Definitely a young woman wise beyond her years.

On behalf of All Seniors Care and the staff and tenants of Sturgeon Creek II, congratulations to Madison, and thank you for caring. You’re terrific!  

Outstanding Volunteer Award - Logan Ross and Enrico Capriotti

Old or young, male or female, quiet or outgoing, anyone can volunteer. Whether you want to explore interests and passions in a fun atmosphere, or learn and develop new skills for a job search, the benefits of volunteering are enormous. Just ask Logan Ross and Enrico Capriotti, two volunteers with All Seniors Care Living Centres. These two gentlemen are quite opposite in age and personality, but both share a singular goal of making a difference in the lives of the seniors they come in contact with, as well as enjoying the many benefits that come with volunteering.

Thank you Enrico

Enrico is an outspoken Italian with a passion for soccer, who also enjoys a friendly game of poker now and then. In fact, it was his knowledge of poker that brought him to Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence. When tenants expressed an interest in playing once a week, Enrico agreed to lead the game. The popularity of the event has grown by leaps and bounds. There is even a waiting list to participate, no doubt due to Enrico’s enthusiasm and friendliness. “The key,” says Enrico “is to just be like the people you are with. When we’re together, I’m just a friend visiting, having fun, playing a good game of cards…the time goes so fast and before I know it the game is done.”

Thank you Logan

Across the street at Sturgeon Creek I, high school graduate Logan Ross helps out weekly with bingo and bocce. Quiet, caring and committed, Logan loves to be involved, and bring smiles to the faces of the tenants he encounters. The tenants, in turn, are just as appreciative of his enthusiasm. As one resident states, “it’s so nice to see someone so young come out and give of his time the way Logan does.” Logan is eager to point out that he likes to volunteer at Sturgeon Creek I because, “the atmosphere here is great, everyone is so nice and easy to talk to…it’s fun!” Originally, Logan chose to volunteer in order to complete a high school requirement and earn a certificate. However, he developed such strong relationships with the tenants and staff that he continued on past graduation and plans to volunteer there for many years to come.

“What makes Enrico and Logan stand out is their unwavering commitment,” states Anna Dell’Acqua, Regional Volunteer Coordinator for All Seniors Care. “They are trustworthy and, most importantly, our tenants know they can count on them, no matter what.” This commitment, reliability and enthusiasm are only a few of the reasons why they were both selected to be recipients of the All Senior’s Care Outstanding Volunteer Award. “You have to care. You have to be there with your heart. You have to feel it,” Anna concludes. “These gentlemen have it!”

On behalf of All Seniors Care and the staff and tenants of Sturgeon Creek I & II, congratulations to Enrico and Logan, and thank you for caring.