A board member since 2018, Anna Smith’s passion for Seniors Services Society of B.C. (SSSBC) shines through.

“I wish more people and more seniors—businesses too—knew about the society and the work that it does,” she said. “I wish more people could be helped. Once you’re involved, you understand that there are homeless seniors; there are seniors who can’t afford to pay their rent or for their groceries.”

Anna came to volunteer for Seniors Services Society during a career transition. She has worked in business management, tourism, hospitality, marketing and sales, and seniors’ living. When she made the switch from the tourism industry to real estate, Anna wanted to focus her volunteer activities on something closer to home. She has lived in New Westminster since 1989 and wanted to support her local community. She reached out to SSSBC when she learned they needed board volunteers.

“Board members were very hands on when I first joined,” Anna recalled. “We worked on a lot of fundraising events. Over time, the board has changed to have more of a governance role. We all still participate in strategic planning and ensure the society is moving in the direction as identified by its mandate.”

Anna has had several key roles on the board; she has served on the finance, membership, and policy committees and currently holds the society’s secretary position. Her proximity to the office and her flexible work schedule means she is often popping in to help when needed.

“I wish people knew all the services available for low-income seniors in New West,” she said. “Someone will do your taxes for free. There are phone calls to and outings for people who live alone. That’s beyond finding homes for people who are in danger of losing theirs. These are very important services that support our mission to enhance people’s lives so that they can thrive.”

Originally from Winnipeg, Anna appreciates the strong small-town feel of New Westminster, where people genuinely support one another. She finds joy in helping others and, for fun, especially loves being a tourist in her own city, exploring and sharing experiences with friends, family, and neighbours.