Get to know our volunteer of the month, Simon!

What do I do in my role as a volunteer?

I participated in the "Better at Home - Friendly Phone Call" program in which I made regular phone calls to a Senior Citizen in order to mitigate the feeling of isolation or loneliness.

When did you begin volunteering at MPNH?

I started in March 2024.

Why do you volunteer?

As a newcomer to Canada, I want to know more about this place such as local culture, practices, build up new connections and so on and so forth. Being a volunteer is a great opportunity for me to understand the social environment here and be able to serve the community.

Can you share a story or instance where you felt you made an impact?

When I was first assigned with a client whom I never met before, the challenge was how to build up a good relationship by simply through the phone conversation process. Nevertheless, after putting efforts and listening to the client's story for a while, trust and good relationship were able to build up that client was willing to share more with me. That helped me to update my superior on a regular basis about the client's latest conditions and provide my advice based on my observation.

Your favorite memory at MPNH?

It must be the first interview with MPNH as I wasn't sure I would be accepted as a volunteer given that I was new to this place. But the MPNH interviewer was nice and helpful and we both shared the same value that to serve the local community or helping others is essential to build up a stronger sense of belonging to all participants in MPNH.

Feedback from staff/participants:

Simon has been with the program since June 2024. Since then, he has been regularly checking in with his assigned senior, bringing light into their life every week with unwavering consistency. He is truly dedicated and passionate about friendly visiting. He consistently shows up with warmth and a genuine interest in connecting with others. He listens with compassion, offers support, and builds trusting relationships that brighten people’s days. His commitment to this role is both inspiring and deeply appreciated.