Volunteering Can Transform Your Life's Journey | Barrie Street | TEDxSurreySalon

87-year-old math teacher, Barrie Street, reflects on a life shaped by early abandonment, channeling adversity into compassion, and a lifelong dedication to education.
Starting with a teaching challenge in England, and then bringing to life his global teaching experience, his talk is a heartwarming tale of the transformative power of volunteering. From Guatemala to Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Jamaica, Barrie shares profound moments, including caring for abandoned children and a later emotional chance encounter.
This talk underlines the impact of volunteering on personal growth and on how we age. Barrie’s call to action, encourages viewers to explore diverse volunteering opportunities, asserting that such engagement fosters connection, purpose, and enrichment, particularly in later years. Barrie Street is an avidly fit 87-year-old who has completed the Grouse Grind hike 2,500 times, and plans to accomplish his 3,000th by the age of 95. He has extensively volunteered as a teacher and with other humanitarian projects in several countries, including Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Jamaica. Barrie believes that volunteering is a crucial part of healthy, vibrant aging. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@lonsdalewellnessstudio9197]

What an inspiration! So happy to see you spreading this valuable message Barrie!

[@Barrie-nk7it]

I call this Wellness Clinic my Haven of Healing.

[@Barrie-nk7it]

Many thanks to my Haven of Healing.

[@michaelcanic432]

As a former junior high school student of Barrie's, many years ago, I can say that it is heartwarming to see this positive, caring, and vibrant person continuing to inspire others.

[@Barrie-nk7it]

Thank you so very much for such inspiring comments.

[@GolgolKhanoom]

Barrie is one of the most inspiring community members I know and proud to call a friend. Barrie's enthusiasm for community involvement and motivation for keeping healthy and fit is inspiring and infectious.

[@Barrie-nk7it]

thank you very much for your generous comment.

[@kiyanhakim384]

As my mother came back from her trip to Vancouver she kept talking about this wonderful man she had the privilege of meeting and how inspiring and motivated he was. And this video shows me what she meant. The positivity he radiates is simply wonderful.

[@Barrie-nk7it]

Thank you so much for such very kind words.

[@jasminfindlay5315]

Mr. Barrie attends the same gym I do and he’s such an inspiration. It’s to nice see him inspire on another platform. Xo.

[@Barrie-nk7it]

Thank you, our gym is an integral part of my life.

[@Saschamtb]

What an inspiring story

[@Barrie-nk7it]

Thank you so much for your response.

[@Barrie-nk7it]

Thanks you so much for your compliment.