Life after retirement
Glen Vienneau
Northern News Services
Hay River (Dec 11/00) - Since retiring five years ago, Lloyd Brunes has discovered a new purpose in life.
It's to help improve the lives of others. He's accomplished that by volunteering.
"It also means keeping me physically healthy, mentally healthy and it does wonders to my heart," said Brunes, 70.
One of his accomplishments, as part of the Hay River Seniors Society, has been to get a handicap bus for the seniors.
He acquired the bus four years ago from the Elks Club. The Elks had difficulty finding volunteer drivers, something that has not changed for Brunes.
"We're having a hard time keeping drivers for the bus," he said.
But, if it weren't for volunteers such as Brunes, fellow seniors would not have been able to take part in the Christmas parade or go berry picking in the summer.
"I just hope that more seniors get more active in volunteering, because I find it very rewarding," said Brunes.
For the seniors at the hospital or at Hay River's residence for seniors, the two or three outings during the week is the medicine that makes for a better day.
"At the end of that, their smiles for a quiet thank-you speak volumes for me," he added.
It is a dedication which has earned him an invitation to be a guest speaker to help launch the 2001 International Year of Volunteers in Yellowknife on Dec. 5.
