Volunteer “Brightens Days” and Honored at Benedictine

Terry Hellsvig has been volunteering and helping others since 1998.

DULUTH, Minn. — A man who has spent years volunteering to help others, received his own thanks and recognition Monday.

In a room filled with people with whom he has helped, worked and volunteered; Terry Hellsvig was at center stage in his own quiet way.

He has offered his time at Benedictine Living Community for twenty-five years. His dedication to the Adult Day Services program, or ADS, has been noticed by many.

He was honored Monday.

He greets people and helps get them where they need to go. He is clearly loved and remembers how it all started.

“My sister brought me up here, and I met Cheryl. Cheryl brought me up to the second floor, third floor. She brought me to ADS. And I said I’d like to work in here. And they said, ‘Okay,'” said Hellsvig.

“I’ve been working there since ’98. I love going there because people are interesting to talk to. They talk about what they did. And I just love it. I’ve been there 25 years. I just love going there,” Hellsvig said.

The honor comes from LeadingAge Minnesota. Hellsvig’s supervisor says that while volunteering four days a week, Terry not only helps staff, but brightens the days of the residents.