Power of Presence at Whole Way House’s Veterans Manor in Vancouver BC

January 31, 2026 was another joyful Saturday Bingo day at Whole Way House’s Veterans Manor. As our Volunteer Wave members arrived to set up for an hour of friendly (and competitive!) Bingo, residents greeted us with jokes, smiles, and lively conversation. While volunteers arranged tables and chairs and prepared the room, staff shared how meaningful it was to have people show up and spend time with residents. We couldn’t agree more: presence matters.

Once the games began, familiar faces gathered around the tables, ready for several fast-paced rounds of Bingo. The residents are true pros—so much so that even some volunteers struggled to keep up as numbers were called out at lightning speed. Volunteers supported the game by helping residents locate and mark their numbers, celebrating wins, and enthusiastically shouting “Bingo!” right alongside them.

At one point, the excitement got the best of us—one volunteer who was trying to keep track of a resident’s Bingo card called out “Bingo!” a little too early during a game. The whole room erupted in applause, but after a check, we realized the resident was still missing a single number. After the error, everyone happily forgiving the moment with laughter and cheering. The shared excitement that Bingo tends to bring out in everyone was clear with these small moments.

Beyond the game itself, volunteers helped keep the space warm and welcoming in many small but meaningful ways. Coffee was prepared and served just the way residents liked it, snacks were passed around, and surfaces were wiped down before and after the games to ensure everyone’s comfort. When small hiccups popped up—like realizing the coffee maker hadn’t been turned on right away—residents were great sports, laughing it off and enjoying little cakes and iced tea in the meantime.

Prizes added to the excitement, with residents winning items like cereal, chocolate, bowls of macaroni and cheese, cups of soup, and granola. One of the most heartwarming moments was watching residents who won multiple rounds happily share their prizes with others at the table. Another was seeing a resident consistently invite, sit with, and support a neighbour who is visually impaired—a quiet but powerful reflection of the care that exists within the community.

What stood out most was the sense of connection at Veterans Manor. Staff know every resident by name, and residents genuinely look out for one another. Our volunteers felt this warmth immediately, laughing along with playful Bingo jokes and feeling welcomed into a space that truly feels like family. Volunteer Wave will be returning to Veterans Manor at least once a month. See you soon!