Bringing laughter to the lives of others
Roni Keeley is a familiar, friendly face in her community of Penticton.
For Roni Keeley, giving her time to help others comes naturally. She’s a familiar face in her home community of Penticton as a volunteer at many events including Peachfest, Children’s Festival and the Iron Man Triathalon. She also sits as a member of the Central and South Okanagan Community Council and for the last 22 years has volunteered her time at the Trinity Care Centre for seniors.
“If I could describe her, I’d say she’s responsible, joyful and giving,” says CLBC Facilitator Lois Thompson, who has been friends with Roni since 1996.
To celebrate all of Roni’s contributions and selflessness, her colleagues at Trinity Care Centre recently did a home makeover on her apartment.
“She’s so helpful and faithful and has been coming for so long that we wanted to do something for her. The positive reaction from all our staff was amazing. Everyone contributed in some way,” says Andrea Naylor, Director of Activities and Volunteers at Trinity Care Centre.
Roni left her keys with the staff and although she knew about the plan, she was surprised to come home and find her curtains cleaned, all new bedding, new paint and wall paper on the walls, a new clock, and a new ceiling fan. “It was beautiful and it was a really great surprise,” she says.
“I really do enjoy working with people. I like bringing a bit of laughter to their lives,” says Roni. “I always try to treat people the way I want to be treated when I’m older. My motto is to try bring a smile to everyone.”
