CaringMatters

A heartfelt thank you to all of our CaringMatters volunteers who joined us for this morning’s Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast at the Cottage.

It was such a meaningful way to celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Month—gathering together, sharing gratitude, and honoring the compassion you bring to our community each and every day.

And to all of our CaringMatters volunteers, whether you were with us this morning or not—thank you for your service, your dedication, and the countless ways you show up for those who need it most. We are so grateful for you.

The next volunteer in our volunteer appreciation spotlight is Chris Daly, a longtime CaringMatters volunteer, who found his way to the organization after moving to the area and being encouraged by a friend already involved with CaringMatters. “You will make a difference for people who are in need, you will meet a great group of people and make lots of new friends,” the friend told him—and Chris took that advice to heart.

Over the years he’s visited patients, driven them to appointments, unloaded storage units for Volunteer Helping Hands’ clients, and supported major events like the Silver Linings Gala and Raise Your Glass. Chris has also volunteered at Camp Erin since 2015, where he does everything from being a big buddy, emptying trash cans, maintaining water stations, helping set up and serve meals, as well as playing the guitar and singing at the campfire.

Camp Erin, they say, is full of big, unforgettable impressions. Chris remembers that once, as a big buddy, a young boy was asked by another camper how his sister died; the boy initially whispered, “I don’t know.” By the end of camp, while sharing breakfast, the boy told his new friend exactly what happened and that he’d been with her. Chris remembers feeling that this was “a big moment for both of these young boys.”

One of Chris’ favorite Camp Erin activities is singing around the campfire. Campers suggest their favorite songs. One year, an unusual song by Aerosmith was requested: "Never Miss a Thing." According to Chris, “It's not typical campfire material and we were almost going to cut it, until we found out it was the Camper's parents’ wedding song - parents who were now dead and in fact missing lots of things. Never before or since has an Aerosmith song brought me to tears.”

When asked what he would say to prospective volunteers, Chris was clear: “People’s biggest reluctance is that working with death is too sad, but volunteering here is joyous and deeply meaningful and yes, at times deeply sad, but it is an experience that is full of life and meaning” he said. Chris’ advice: find where you fit into the story—bereavement support, visiting patients and families, or event support—whatever aligns with your strengths and where you are in your own life.”

Chris reminds us that when you show up with compassion and an open heart, you don’t just support others—you become part of something deeply meaningful that stays with you long after the moment has passed.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit CaringMatters.org/volunteer