Stories about matches
Looking for an activity you can do together every four years?
Hi, I'm Jake, volunteer advocate for Lyle. When talking with other prospective advocates I'm often asked the question; "what do you two do together?" Well, we do things like going to the library, visiting museums, hanging out at the mall, walking the dog. And recently we've added a new activity to our list: voting.
When the last election was called, Lyle became very interested in the signs that littered the lawns in his neighbourhood and in the ongoing election newscasts. I asked him if he'd ever voted and if he wanted to vote. He answered "no" to the first question and "yes" to the second. So I visited the Elections Canada website to see how I could get Lyle on the voters list.
When we visited Lyle's local returning office the extremely helpful Elections Canada people explained the process we needed to follow to get him on the list. Even though Lyle doesn't have a driver's license, he had enough identification to satisfy EC's citizenship and residency requirements. Plus, they informed us that Lyle could actually vote right there and then without having to wait for Election Day.
After 56 years, Lyle finally got to exercise his democratic right. And his excitement continued throughout the election as he noted that many signs throughout Orleans supported the candidate from "his" party.
"What a loser I am. Who would want me?"
When Donald came out of hospital in the 80s he felt very alone. And he was. Living with mental illness, Donald felt that he had nothing to offer. Many people with disabilities feel this way.
Then he met Filip, who volunteered to be matched to Donald, and to offer his consistent presence, support, and encouragement.
Fifteen years later, a confident Donald speaks publicly about mental illness and volunteers with organizations across Ottawa. And in 2005, Donald was honored by the City of Ottawa with a Civic Appreciation Award for Health.
"If you'd have told me when I was getting out of the hospital that I'd be serving on committees, speaking publicly, and winning awards, I'd have asked you what planet you were from," says Donald. Asked if he ever feels like a loser anymore, Donald quickly answered, "I'm too busy. There's no time to feel sorry myself."
With more matches between volunteer advocates and people with disabilities being made and supported, the need for financial resources remains a constant challenge. We need your support. Please give to Citizen Advocacy.
"Now I feel like I belong."
Marsha is blind. Until she was matched with Ruth in 2002, she felt as if she was missing a lot. She'd ride in a car, but have no idea what she was passing. She'd listen to music at home, but wonder what it was like to see a live band. She'd watch TV, but could only imagine what a drive-in was like. Until she was matched with Ruth.
In the years they've been together, Marsha and Ruth have also taken a ferry, camped, eaten at Swiss Chalet, visited Upper Canada Village, ridden on a golf cart, stayed at a B&B, experienced a sugarbush, and much, much more.
Now Marsha feels like she belongs. Because even though she's blind, Ruth has opened her eyes in so many ways.
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"The world is bigger than I am."
John was a teenage boy with two deaf parents when he was matched up with a volunteer advocate, Jeff, over eleven years ago. John readily admits, he wasn't the most responsible young man at the time. In fact, he says, he used to be quite selfish. Luckily, Jeff was willing to share his time and energy with John while communicating with him in the "hearing world."
Over the years they've played hockey and football together. They've biked, and swam, and hung out. And, over the years an amazing thing happened. John began to feel good about himself. He acquired the skills necessary to become an adult. He became responsible and developed empathy for others. He learned that the world was big-much bigger than he was.
Today, John and Jeff are teamed up as co-volunteer advocates for Mike, a teenager who is deaf and has learning disabilities. John and Jeff do much the same things with Mike that they used to do together. And both believe that, over time, they can help Mike find his place in this great big world.
George and Claus
Years ago, George was partially blinded and partially paralyzed by a stroke. He uses a wheelchair and is no longer able to read. George finds it impossible to deal with mail and bills without help. He has paid helpers for some assistance, but otherwise spends his days with his cat and TV. George was pretty much alone and had not been outside his apartment building, other than for medical appointments, for several years.
Claus is also a 'cat person'. But, more than that, he wants to share his time for seniors who just need a helping hand. His straight forward, down to earth nature and humour make him a great match for George. Claus was matched to George in May 2006 and they took to each other very quickly. Now Fridays are their times together. They've done battle with phone companies over bills, and go out to a mall or for coffee as often as the weather permits. A big change in George's life.
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