Elfrieda Olfert - Volunteer

Over the years, Elfrieda Olfert has volunteered in many different capacities, from playing for the formal hymn singing on Thursdays, to leading impromptu hymn singing on the units after the supper hour.  She’ was usually surrounded by a group of elderly men and women in their wheelchairs, singing along and reminiscing about their favorite songs from childhood.

Today, the days of impromptu sing-a-longs are not as common as they used to be. Elfrieda is still volunteering and playing piano in the chapel, but is taking it a bit slower by cutting down her hours. Still very dedicated, yet humbled due to health reasons, she will always have the same passion for her volunteer work.

It all started in 1987 when Elfrieda’s mother lived at Salem Home. She thought, maybe, there was something she could contribute to the lives of the residents. She began playing piano during chapel, and eventually she found herself at Salem every day of the week. Over the years she saw both her mother and in-laws pass away at Salem, but decided there was no reason to quit.

“It was always such a joy to see the old people appreciate the old hymns that they sang when they were younger, and that they could still sing along with us. It just gave me a real joy to do that,” she said.

For a few years she was paid as a companion, spending time visiting and helping a deaf resident. She describes that experience as “very, very rewarding”, but said it was not about the money. Some of the residents say they can’t figure out why she does it. They’ll say, ‘You work for free? They should pay you!’, but for Elfrieda, she always says no to the job offers. As a volunteer she wants to work. As an employee she would have to work.

“I see that I have a gift that I can use and think this is where God wants me to be and I’m doing fine. But some other places I would not shine like I do here. I interact with the seniors easily and I love them. They’re just great,” she said.

After 20 years of volunteering she is now involved with portering residents to and from their rooms, assisting residents with their dinner five nights a week, one-on-one visits, and playing piano a few times a month at chapel. Most people would say that is a lot for cutting back! 

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