Get to know our volunteer of the month, Shanti!

What do I do in my role as a volunteer?

I volunteer with the friendly phone calls program, where I chat with a senior resident in Mt Pleasant once a week. I also help out with occasional MPNH events (e.g. the 50th anniversary celebration!)

When did you begin volunteering at MPNH?

April of 2026.

Why do you volunteer?

I mainly wanted to feel like I could make someone's day a little bit better. I really love living in Mt Pleasant, and I wanted to support the community I live in. 

Can you share a story or instance where you felt you made an impact?

Volunteering at the MPNH Pride BBQ was very sweet because the kids (and adults) were delighted to have their faces painted, it felt really great to see that excitement!

Your favorite memory at MPNH?

The senior I call for the friendly phone calls program has lived in Vancouver her whole life and I find it fascinating to hear about how the city has changed in that time!

Feedback from staff/participants:

Shanthi started volunteering with us in April 2026, and from the very beginning, her enthusiasm and genuine care really stood out to me. Even during the training, I could see how thoughtfully she was approaching the role. She had already thought about how to build a meaningful rapport while also setting healthy boundaries, which I really appreciated.

Once she started making calls, she naturally built such a warm and genuine connection with her senior. It has been so lovely to see that relationship grow. Her senior often tells me how much she values their conversations and how special this connection has become to her.

I’m truly grateful that Shanthi chose to volunteer with us. She brings such warmth, thoughtfulness, and sincerity to what she does, and it’s wonderful to see the positive impact she is having. We are very fortunate to have her as part of our volunteer community at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.

-Anu Ismail, Better at Home and Special Projects Coordinator