Who is Sylvia Anderson?

One of Langley’s most prolific volunteers, Sylvia was born in Agassiz, and lived in Chilliwack and Cultus Lake, moving to Langley in 1971. Her son Scott lives in Walnut Grove with his wife Miya and their children Erik and Sabrina; daughter Shirley lives in Penticton and another daughter, Penny, lives in Sundre, Alberta. Sylvia was widowed in 1986.

Why did you become a volunteer?

I became a volunteer with Canadian Red Cross blood program, which became the Canadian Blood Services in September, 1999, and like many people, did so after being a donor for many years.

Hardest part of your job?

Saying ‘no,’ but I am learning. While CBS takes most of my volunteer time, I also love being a volunteer at Tourism Langley, Langley Heritage Society at the CN Station in Fort Langley, Campbell Valley Visitors Centre for Metro Vancouver, and a new group to Langley: Friendship Force, where we welcome small groups of visitors from all over the world.

The Langley Christmas Bureau is another favourite, and the part I am involved in is where we receive Gifts for Kids at the tree in Willowbrook Shopping Centre.

Best part?

The other volunteers. We have awesome volunteers in Langley. They always come through. In 2000, I was involved with the Games for Athletes with a Disability, and the call for more volunteers brought out more than we needed.

Who is/was the biggest influence in your life?

My mother, who was a great community volunteer. At one time she was a volunteer for the blood donor clinics in New Westminster when it was the Canadian Red Cross.

How do you recharge your batteries?

I read, go for a walk on the beach at White Rock, go out with friends to movies and dinner. I also love to travel when I am able.

What’s playing on your CD player?

Chopin, Pachelbel, Bach, Dixieland, Langley Ukulele Ensemble... very eclectic.

What book is on your bedside table?

An Ian Rankin book in a series about Rebus, a Scottish detective.

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

Winston Churchill would be a fascinating conversationalist.

The world would be a better place if only people . . .

Got along, told the truth, and respected other people and their property.

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.

Most of my friends know that I have been through cancer surgery, which means I can no longer give blood. I challenge everyone who is not a donor to donate.

I had donated 121 units, and encourage you to take up my goal of 200.

Favourite meal?

Fish and chips on the beach at White Rock . . . with a walk afterwards at low tide.

Favourite holiday spot?

Anywhere by water: ocean, lake or river.

Earliest recollections?

Living in a house in the country with a lovely wraparound veranda, without electricity or indoor plumbing. We moved into town when I was six, to all the amenities, including a school.

In high school, I was . . .

the ultimate volunteer for everything, belonged to all the clubs, participated in all sports and enjoyed everything, including all my classes and teachers.

I was a ‘good’ student.