Marcel Lavigne

South Surrey

Marcel Lavigne is one of the older volunteers who helped to make the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games an overwhelming success. At 61, Marcel is actively engaged in his community, despite the challenge of having artificial joints. In addition to his volunteer work, Marcel is physically and socially active, and enjoys spending time with friends and family, including his wife, adult children and two granddaughters. Needless to say, he’s never sitting still.

The 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

As a pre-Games volunteer with VANOC, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Winter Games, Marcel worked at the Volunteer Information Centre interviewing other potential 2010 volunteers. His role included assessing applicants’ interests and abilities, in order to determine where they could best be utilized as volunteers. And he did it all in both English and French.

Volunteering for the 2010 Winter Games was a once-­in-­a-­lifetime experience, and one Marcel just couldn’t let pass by. “I really wanted to do my part to help B.C. and Canada put on a first-class show. It was a great environment to work in, and a terrific opportunity to share my talents and learn new skills.”

Other Volunteer Interests

Volunteering ranks high among Marcel’s favourite activities. In addition to his work with the 2010 Winter Games, he volunteers with community organizations such as the Arthritis Society, the RCMP Community Police Station in South Surrey, the City of Surrey’s Parks Department and the South Surrey Eagles Junior A hockey team.

Benefits of Volunteering

“Volunteering makes me feel younger, happier and healthier,” Marcel says. He advises others not to wait to volunteer. “You’ll feel good about yourself because you’re helping. Get involved in one of the many community groups in your neighbourhood that need your help.”