Volunteer Spotlight: Tyan Loh

“What can I do to serve?”

Tyan Loh, a Vancouver native, often ponders, “What can I do to serve?” Her experience in regional management at Starbucks inspired her to engage with communities in Canada and the U.S. When she moved to L.A., she found various volunteer opportunities, including the AIDS Walk and A Place Called Home. Living in Los Angeles exposed her to both vibrant and challenging aspects of the city.

We recently sat down with “T,” as she is fondly known here at St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, for a Q&A about volunteering and giving back.

How did you come to volunteer for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels?

Well, I asked myself, as I often do, “What can I do to help?” I learned about volunteer opportunities at St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and decided to give it a try. Initially, I thought the tasks involved mostly delivering meals to homebound clients, primarily seniors who couldn’t prepare food for themselves. However, after going on a route, I discovered that bringing a meal to someone who is alone and vulnerable means so much more than just food.

On my first day going out on a route, I approached the door of a longtime client who seemed to be anticipating my arrival. When I looked at her face, I noticed she had been crying. I asked what was wrong, and she told me her daughter had recently passed away, leaving her unable to shake the sadness. In that moment, I realized she had been waiting to share this with me because she had no one else to talk to about her profound loss.

I handed her the meal and gave her a hug, feeling a connection with her. Our interaction was simple yet profound. I believe that much of what St. Vincent Meals on Wheels does captures the essence of the simplicity and profundity of being human. It involves so much more than just delivering food. Although I had never met her before, our encounter felt familiar. I experienced an immediate sense of empathy and a desire to show her that I understood and cared about her.

Have you encountered any unexpected benefits as a result of volunteering?

Yes, the eagerness from clients surprised me. Many, like the client I met on my first day, are “waiting for us,” revealing the various forms of loneliness. I now understand that uplifting someone is an unexpected benefit for both the client and myself.

Volunteering regularly for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels seems like a big commitment.

I’m more than willing to commit. It gives my life purpose, and I feel grateful for that. Volunteering is transformative. It allows us to connect on a human level—providing compassion and understanding is a gift.

Is there anything else you’d like to share to inspire others to volunteer?

I am impressed by the dedication of the staff and leadership at SVMOW, especially volunteer coordinator Sonia Sanchez. She creates a welcoming atmosphere. My interactions with Sonia, the staff, and the clients are exceptional. They motivate me to uplift others.