Volunteering Across Generations

For grandfather and granddaughter Manny and Megha, volunteering at Lakeridge Health has been an opportunity to give back and share time together. 

Although they began their volunteer journeys at different points in their lives, both have discovered the same sense of purpose in helping others, connecting with their community, and making someone’s day a little brighter. 

For Megha, Manny has been a significant source of inspiration.  

Throughout her life, she watched Manny dedicate his time to volunteering and saw firsthand the positive impact he had on those around him. His example inspired her to follow in his footsteps and begin her own volunteer journey at Lakeridge Health. 

"Seeing how much my grandfather enjoyed helping others made me want to volunteer too,” shares Megha. “He taught me that even small gestures can make a big difference.” 

Manny was there to support Megha from the very beginning. 

On her first day volunteering, he was the one who showed her where to go, explained what she could expect, and shared some of what he had learned about welcoming and connecting with people. 

For Megha, it was those simple gestures that helped turn an unfamiliar first day into a memorable one. 

"Having him there made me feel comfortable and confident,” she says. “It reminded me how much I had already learned from him before I even started volunteering.” 

Learning From Each Other 

While Manny has helped inspire Megha’s approach to volunteering, their experience has become a two-way exchange. 

Megha says volunteering has reinforced the importance of consistency, dedication, and being present for others. She has also learned that making a meaningful difference does not always require a grand gesture. A conversation, a helping hand, or taking the time to listen can have a lasting impact. 

For Manny, watching his granddaughter develop her own passion for volunteering has been especially rewarding. 

Their experiences may span generations, but many of the things they value about volunteering are the same: meeting new people, helping members of their community, learning from others, and knowing their time can make someone’s experience a little brighter.  

Continuing a Family Tradition 

Giving back has become a family value passed from one generation to the next. 

By volunteering at Lakeridge Health, Manny and Megha have found a new way to strengthen their relationship while sharing something that matters deeply to both of them. 

"Our advice to other families considering volunteering together is simple: do it. Volunteering can have a powerful impact not only on the community, but also on family relationships,” says Manny. “It creates opportunities to connect, learn from one another, and build lasting memories.” 

For Manny and Megha, it has also become a way to continue a family tradition of kindness and community involvement. One generation inspiring the next. 

Interested in volunteering at Lakeridge Health? Learn more about available opportunities and how to apply on our Volunteering at Lakeridge Health page.