It's never too late to discover purpose, joy, community

Anne Smith, 86, continues to be an inspiration to her community at the Simcoe Seniors' Centre.

Alex Hunt

Advocate Correspondent

After more than two decades of volunteering at the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre, Anne Smith educates on the value of getting involved and showing kindness to others.

Smith, 86, who has spent much of her time volunteering around the Simcoe community, says she was a shy and reserved individual until she joined the centre at its original 89 Pond Street location at the age of 63.

“Before joining the centre, I didn’t know I could do the things that I do - I was very shy,” said Smith. “My whole personality did a huge turnaround when I became a member here. Now I wear odd socks and I love to have fun.”

Smith started as a member and joined the singing group in 2002. Before long, she found herself volunteering in the kitchen. Shortly after joining the board of directors, Smith was named Head of Special Events and would play a key role in organizing fashion shows and high teas.

The special events opportunity allowed Smith to demonstrate her creativity and volunteer alongside her late husband Don who played the keyboard before passing away a year ago. Smith said that her extended family at the seniors’ centre was a wonderful support system after her husband’s passing.

The programming has expanded since her early days of commitment to the centre. What started as a couple hundred members has now risen to over 1,300.

Smith remembers it took some time for her to adjust to the centre’s relocation from 89 Pond Street to the Norfolk County Recreation Centre, with its designated operating hours, in 2023. 

“I want to encourage people to be involved, it’s good for you,” said Smith. “You meet people, you learn to control your emotions and make allowances for others. Just be nice to people.

“One of my fondest moments was when I got a life membership for volunteering. To be a life member you have to volunteer for 10 years. You have to be there and always be doing stuff, which is what I do. I like volunteering.”

After 23 years of laughter, service and compassion, Smith continues to be the heart of the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre, a reminder that it's never too late to discover purpose, joy and community.