Meet Roberta Saltvold, volunteer, Villa Marie

Roberta Saltvold believes the most meaningful part of volunteering at Villa Marie, a Covenant Care community in Red Deer, is presence. It’s about offering her time, her attention and a steady warmth that brings reassurance in everyday moments.  

“I certainly feel that my time is well-spent in providing some loving support,” she says. “It is very rewarding, and I feel that I get more than I give by volunteering.”

Roberta began volunteering with Villa Marie in the spring of 2021, after nearly two decades of donating her time as an acute care visitor at the local hospital. When COVID-19 restrictions paused her hospital role, she found herself deeply missing that meaningful connection, she says. Around the same time, a dear friend moved into memory care at Villa Marie. Volunteering there felt like a natural next step, a way to continue serving while staying close to her friend and the work she had always loved.

Now, five years later, Roberta continues to serve in the role of friendly visitor twice a week at Villa Marie. “Villa Marie is a very friendly and caring place, and I feel comfortable there,” she says.

On Fridays, she gathers residents for the interdenominational church service at 10 a.m. She gently reminds some residents about the service and assists others who need help getting there. It is very much a team effort alongside chaplain Grace Elgersma and Rev. Fergus, a retired local minister. Usually after the service, residents are invited to stay for coffee and sweet treats, hosted by another volunteer. We ensure everyone who needs assistance is safely returned to their unit.

Along with Fridays, Roberta also volunteers most Wednesdays, sitting one-to-one with residents and helping them take part in the monthly Bible study.

For Roberta, what matters most are the small, sacred moments, she says. 

One activity in particular stands out — hymn singing. Roberta has noticed that even residents who experience significant confusion can still recall words of well-known hymns. “It is also nice to see them tapping their toes with the music.”

Roberta says there is something deeply moving about that — the way music and faith remain anchored in memory, even when other things fade. In those moments, she witnesses joy, connection and continuity with a life well lived.

Volunteering brings purpose and meaning to her own life, she says. “It makes me feel joy and satisfaction that I made a positive difference in someone’s day.”

After years of service, what keeps her coming back is the relationships. She has come to know certain residents fairly well and treasures reconnecting with them each week, she says. There is a rhythm to it — familiar faces, shared conversations and a sense of belonging. She also enjoys meeting new residents.

Roberta says she sees firsthand how important spiritual care remains for many residents. “It is special to me to be able to help them continue to attend church services and Bible studies.” What may have been a lifelong practice can become difficult without assistance, and she is grateful to help make that connection possible.

Roberta has simple advice for anyone considering volunteering but unsure of where to begin: “Give it a try. Attend an activity, meet the residents and see what it feels like.”

At Villa Marie, volunteers are needed to assist with many and varied recreational activities, and new faces are always welcomed.

“You might find it brings more to your life than you expect,” says Roberta.