4 Storytellers—4 Unique Stories of What it Means to Give Back 

Looking to be inspired? With decades of community involvement, each of our four storytellers have made a difference in their communities by engaging civically throughout their lives. Now in their senior years, they are sharing their experiences to inspire the next generation to give back.  

Everyone has a role to play in their community—

as a volunteer, neighbour, voter, donor, resident, connector or something else entirely. Our storytellers have contributed in different ways, always finding ways to be involved because community participation matters, at every stage of life. In fact, volunteering is a proven tool to increase positive health outcomes later in life.

In this video series, our storytellers share their journeys, lived experiences, and advice for younger generations looking to be active members of their community.

4

120+ Years

Lifetimes of

Elder Storytellers

Infinite Wisdom

Endless Inspiration

Combined Experience

Lydia Brown is an influential individual in our community. As an immigrant to Canada, Lydia was born and raised in Jamaica. Since she was young, Lydia was taught to understand the struggles and give back where she can, doing what she can. Now, as an elder with over 16 grandchildren, Lydia reflects back on the different stages of her life, including her civic engagement and deep dedication to her family and greater community.

Lydia is currently a part of the North Etobicoke Residents Council and the Jamaican Canadian Association Seniors Group, and an Elder with Sistaz In Sound.

"One Hand Washes the Other"

Randy's queer activism journey has included gay rights and gay marriage campaigns, and the City of Toronto's 1991 official 1st proclamation of Toronto Pride.

Growing up in rural Ontario, volunteerism was instilled in Randy since they were young. Their rural Ontario youth volunteerism laid the foundations of a lifelong passion for equal human rights, pet rescue & animal rights advocacy, food security, democracy advocacy & civic engagement. Their lifelong personal mission is to build, nurture and protect queer and cultural safe spaces. 

"For Me, Civic Engagement is Gratitude"

Born and raised in Toronto, Nada Saranovich has been a lifelong Torontonian and a lifelong volunteer. Nada has been involved with all sorts of volunteer sectors and opportunities, with her current time being spent with the Alzheimer's Society, supporting seniors and creating community connections.

Nada gives back to local organizations by doing the work and applying her skills, talents, and experience along the way to help build the foundation of the Toronto community.

"I'm Healing and Volunteering"

Inspire Action

Preserve Knowledge

Share Stories

Capturing the wisdom, experiences, and lessons from decades of volunteering from elders in our community who have been giving back to community for generations.

Creating meaningful connections between older generations and younger people to transfer skills, insights, and passion for giving back to our community. 

Motivating young people to start their own volunteering journey with guidance from those who have walked the path of civically engaging in community throughout their lives.

This program is generously supported by:

In 2025, Volunteer Toronto and Volunteer Canada are coming together to share examples of diverse civic engagement through an older adult storytelling video series. 

Our goal? To inspire the next generation and validate that any way you can give back right now is the right way. There are many ways to be a part of your community through each phase of life. Check back here for a new video released every month during Summer 2025!  

This project is generously supported by philanthropic funding from Waltons Trust and made possible with support from The Government of Canada ESDC and the Samuel Family Foundation.

Wisdom Across Generations is part of building Canada's National Volunteer Action Strategy. Find out how you can get involved and shape the future of community participation in Canada!

If you have questions about the project, please contact:

Tatiana Letang, Manager of Marketing and Communications – tletang@volunteertoronto.ca

CRA# 119287092RR0001

www.volunteertoronto.ca

T. 416-961-6888

E. info@volunteertoronto.ca