Description

We have over 150 people with disabilities in Ottawa who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation, waiting for a friend and volunteer advocate. Most of these individuals have been waiting for more than two years to find their match. Will you be a friend to a person with a disability?

Being a volunteer Ally with ABLE2’s Matching Program is convenient, flexible, and rewarding. We match volunteers or “Allies” to people with disabilities or “Friends”, who live in locations convenient to each other, and share similar interests and shared activities. The biggest thing on the Friends’ wish list? To have coffee with someone! You can choose to spend time with your match as often as you want, and simply do what friends do: go for a walk, watching a movie, or attend an event in the community.

As a friend to someone with a disability you can have a profound effect on their life by reducing loneliness and isolation; helping to achieve hopes and dreams; developing personal networks and relationships; decreasing vulnerability; and increasing self-confidence, mental and physical health. You will gain a wonderful new friendship – someone to share activities that you love.

You need to be over the age of 18 and to make a minimum commitment of 12 months to this role [Note: your status in Canada may affect your ability to make this commitment e.g. visitor visa, student visa, refugee claimant]. Preparation and ongoing support are provided.

Learn more about ABLE2’s Matching Program here: https://www.able2.org/volunteer/

For more information, email [email protected]