It’s been said that there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Fortunately, SSSBC volunteers are here to help with taxes at least! And, thanks to long-time volunteer Carlo Viola, we’re able to provide this free service to low-income seniors with a dose of humour thrown in for good measure.

Carlo has been assisting clients with their taxes and other application forms with SSSBC’s Forms and Tax Program since 2012. He takes the work very seriously, but he approaches everyone with a smile and a great sense of humour to help put them at ease.

“One of the fun things about helping out year after year is I get to use the same lines over and over; it’s great to be able to reuse that same material,” teased Carlo.

Carlo has always had an affinity for working with numbers and isn’t easily intimidated by forms that many of us find overwhelming. He took early retirement from a claims job at ICBC where he spent much of his day interviewing people.

“I’ve always liked helping people and I used to help co-workers with their taxes,” he said. “I was looking around online for volunteer opportunities when I saw that SSSBC was looking for people to help clients with taxes. I started during the 2012 tax season and was then asked to stay on for the rest of the year as we help people with taxes and other forms all the time. I like the work because people go away happy.”

That first season of volunteering has now morphed into over 13 years of dedicated service that has assisted hundreds, if not thousands, of seniors.

“Completing your tax return,” cautions Carlo, “allows you to get other benefits you might not otherwise be eligible for. The Guaranteed Income Supplement, for instance, is only available to low-income seniors and your tax return is how you demonstrate that need. Low-income seniors are also eligible for free bus passes. And, if SSSBC is trying to help you find housing, you need to be able to show that you qualify for subsidized housing.”

Carlo and other volunteers with the taxes and forms group also help seniors apply for the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters, Fair Pharmacare, Medical Services Plan, and bus passes. They also assist with documentation replacement including BC Care cards, birth certificates, citizenship cards, and Canadian passports. These forms directly affect a senior’s financial security, housing stability, and health.

“Many seniors would struggle to complete this paperwork and could miss out on benefits they are entitled to,” said SSSBC’s Support Services Program Manager Paul Campbell. “From the outset, Carlo’s reputation for accuracy, patience, and generosity quickly became known throughout the community. I see the direct impact of his ongoing volunteerism throughout the year, and I frequently hear gratitude from seniors who rely on his knowledge and kindness.”

Carlo doesn’t limit his generosity to SSSBC. He has also helped out with completing taxes for clients at several other organizations including Union Gospel Mission, Burnaby Community Services, and SHARE Family & Community Services Society. We are so grateful to be the recipient of his generosity.

Interested in volunteer opportunities with SSSBC? We’d love to welcome you on board. You can learn more here.