Story and Photo by Rick Mehaffey

Over the years, Myra Leeper has had the pleasure of volunteering with various non-profit organizations. She realized very early on, there was something within her that found joy in working in community with others to help others! Fast forward to the COVID era, a time when so many people were feeling lonely or isolated, Myra had the opportunity to volunteer with BCOA as a “Friendly Caller Volunteer”.

“Being a volunteer with BCOA, has given me a greater appreciation of the value of creating new relationships.” says Myra. “It has helped me to be present and listen when I ask someone, ‘How are you, really?” And it has made me more sensitive and appreciative of the fragility and the strength of the human spirit (mine included). But mostly, it has given me joy to let someone else know that they are valued, and that we were not created to do life alone. So, whether it is just trading stories of how our day has been, how our bodies are feeling, or our favorite past-times, it somehow connects us in a most unusual way and reminds me of what it means to “love my neighbor as myself”.”

Myra is an incredible addition to our group of volunteers and we are so thankful for the impact she is making on seniors in our Beaches community.