Amanda began volunteering as a friendly visitor in 2018, when she was a university student.
“I wanted to get a little more involved in the community, either by volunteering or finding a part-time job while studying. And, because I am originally from Italy and Italian is my first language, I started looking online for something that involved Italian speakers.”
She learned about friendly visiting at West Neighbourhood House. The Friendly Visiting Program provides seniors and people living with disabilities, who have limited social contacts, with regular visits from volunteers, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and promote healthier, more independent living.
Soon after, she began visiting an Italian-speaking senior who she has visited regularly for six years.
“It was pretty close to where I used to live and close to university. I thought that I would just give it a try. And, because I’m away from my family as well. Going to visit an elderly person sounded like a good idea to find a little piece of home.”
Volunteers provide companionship and support, through in-person visits to a participant’s home, in the community or over the phone. “The program tries to see if you fit with someone. To see if it is going to be a good match,” Amanda says.
The Visiting, Social and Safety Program and its volunteers also provide security checks, identifying any concerns or possible needs of the program participants, and informing staff to follow up.
For Amanda, friendly visiting has been a rich and rewarding experience. “I look forward to the visit every week because I really enjoy spending the time with them,” she says.
“We talk about life and her experiences, and how they found Toronto compared to Italy.”
“I feel relief just going to visit them, talking to them and listening to what they have to say. They also give me some advice on my life. They have experienced a lot more than I have.”
“We would share memories and listen to each other’s stories. It’s a little bittersweet, when I have to say goodbye.” “I don’t really think of it as a task. I think that’s the point of volunteering. Doing something that makes you feel good about what you’re doing. It makes you feel happier. And, it’s not only about helping them, because you get help from them as well.”
For a full description of the position and to apply, please visit our website page here.