Volunteers needed for Friendly Visiting Program

The City of Cambridge is looking for volunteers for the Friendly Visiting Program. There are currently 30 people waiting to be matched with a volunteer.

“Some clients have been on the wait list for over a year,” said Lisa Whelan, Supervisor of Recreation for Older Adult Services. “This is an opportunity for a volunteer to make a real difference in the life of someone experiencing isolation, and make a new friend in the process!”

The World Health Organization estimates that one in four older adults experience social isolation. The Friendly Visiting Program helps to fight loneliness by matching a socially isolated older adult, or an adult with a physical disability with a volunteer for social and recreational visits or phone calls.

Volunteers are asked to make a two-hour weekly commitment to the Friendly Visiting Program. Activities can include crafts, card games, going for a walk, or simply chatting with the client.

Barbara, a client in the program has found a friend in Christine, her Friendly Visiting Volunteer. “We play Dominos and Scrabble together and enjoy sitting outside on the bench in front of my building. It’s nice to have someone to share these moments with," she said.  

To learn more about the Friendly Visiting Program, or to apply to be a volunteer, visit cambridge.ca/FriendlyVisiting.