At New Vista Society, a simple act of kindness is making a big impact. Emily Rusak, a high school student who volunteers with the organization, has found a meaningful way to connect with residents—delivering fresh flowers and sharing a conversation with those who need it most.

After joining New Vista, Emily noticed that many residents had limited mobility and fewer social interactions. Wanting to do something special, she decided to bring them flowers to help brighten their day.

“I wanted to build a connection with them by bringing them flowers and just giving a small gesture to make their day,” she said.

With the help of Passion Floral Boutique, a local flower shop, Emily selects and arranges bouquets each month, wrapping them carefully before delivering them to residents. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Usually, they feel very, very happy,” she says. “I can see the smiles spreading across their faces. Flowers are very therapeutic. I offer them the flowers, we talk a little bit about their day, and it seems like their day has already gotten better.”

But for Emily, the experience is just as rewarding. She believes that volunteering is about more than just giving—it’s about learning and growing.

“Volunteering at New Vista is a great way to build connections, build friendships, and also build characteristics and skills within yourself,” she says. “You learn to talk to people, problem-solve, and find a lot more compassion within yourself.”

As April marks Volunteer Month, New Vista Society is encouraging more people to get involved and make a difference. If you’re interested in volunteering at New Vista, visit newvista.bc.ca/volunteer-career to learn more about opportunities to give back.