Giving back with purpose: Lyn Smirl's volunteer story

It wasn’t a lack of things to do that led Lyn Smirl to volunteering. It was the feeling that something was missing.

Retired and living in Nanaimo, Lyn’s days are busy between hiking, walking her dog, tending to a large garden and caring for a koi pond. She’s also a Block Watch captain and involved in emergency preparedness in her community. Still, she knows there is still more that she can do.

“It’s not that much time,” she says. “But it makes me feel like I’m contributing.”

Her connection to the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon began more than 25 years ago, when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At the time, the organization provided guidance and resources that helped Lyn better understand what her family was facing.

“They helped me through that,” she says. “I always remembered.”

Years later, when she was ready to volunteer again, that experience brought her back.

Over the past six years, Lyn has supported caregiver groups, early-stage programs and educational sessions. Her primary focus is caregiver support, where she creates space for people to share experiences that are often difficult to talk about elsewhere.

“You come ready to listen,” she says. “And your understanding grows from there.”

Through this work, Lyn has seen how important connection is, especially for caregivers, who can become increasingly isolated.

“Having a place where they feel heard makes a huge difference,” she says.

Of all the volunteer roles she’s held, this one stands out.

“This has been the most gratifying,” she says. “It’s so well organized, the people are incredible and I’ve learned so much.”

That combination of purpose, structure and connection has made volunteering with the Alzheimer Society a meaningful part of her life, even within an already busy schedule.

And for Lyn, it all comes back to something simple, making the time to show up for others and finding meaning in the moments that follow.