Testimonials
Little Brothers’ 2,900 volunteers change lives in communities throughout Quebec every single day. They are caring, compassionate individuals who enjoy giving of their time to experience special moments, big and small, with our Elder Friends.
With a 94% volunteer satisfaction rating, it is clear that, after 60 years, Little Brothers continues to offer highly rewarding volunteer experiences.
TOUCHING VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS
Seventeen years of friendship
Mrs. Gamache had just turned 80 when she was paired with Claudette Routhier, a volunteer who has since devoted 17 years to the Little Brothers chapter in Sherbrooke.
“My Elder Friend is always in such great spirits and is one of the most considerate people I know. When we get together, we talk about books, current affairs, travelling and her past, while we indulge in a few chocolates – that’s her personal weakness! Over time, we have built a beautiful friendship. It has enriched me deeply and I hope we still have many more years ahead of us to enjoy!”
– Claudette Routhier, volunteer, Little Brothers – Sherbrooke, and winner of Prix Juliette-Huot volunteer award (reconnaissance Prix Juliette-Huot – Mme Routhier) in 2013
“You became a second family for me when I was at my lowest, after my wife passed away. We really need people like you by our side!”
– Mr. Hardy, Elder Friend, with Pierre Forcier, volunteer
Sharing a meal and a holiday tradition together
“On Christmas Eve, I went to visit with Mrs. Jutras, with a special Little Brothers gift bag just for her. Her face lit right up. She was overjoyed. We hung ornaments on her Christmas tree and she told me over and over again how beautiful it was. She was so grateful. It was more than I expected. When you see that glint in their eyes, you can’t help but feel the same way.”
– Claudette Boudreau, volunteer, Little Brothers – Laval
Overcoming my own loneliness through Little Brothers
“After meeting lots of new people, calling Elder Friends to introduce myself before I went to pick them up and interacting with other volunteers at various activities, I started to get over my natural shyness. I’m much more comfortable in groups now and I don’t feel as lonely as I used to.”
– Sylvie Deshaies, volunteer, Little Brothers – Montreal
Flowers before the bread
“There was a twinkle in her eye when I delivered a bouquet of roses picked just for her. When we got back to the residence, I was proud to let the staff know she is a favourite sweetheart of ours.”
– Paul Samson, volunteer, with Mrs. Perron, Elder Friend
“I love Little Brothers. They’re my reason to live.”
– Mrs. Alain, 81, Elder Friend
Beautiful moments at the Oka vacation lodge
“One of the volunteer activities I’ve been particularly fond of in the past 10 years has been accompanying seniors to the Juliette Huot Vacation Lodge in Oka. I work with the other volunteers and spend five days making sure our Elder Friends get as many chances as possible to enjoy nature and participate in outings that lift their spirits. Going there gives me a chance to talk to our guests – they have so much life experience to convey. Hearing their stories and sharing in these beautiful moments fills me with happiness.
I plan to keep helping out our Elder Friends as long as I can. I’m here because of them.”
– Benoît Descôteaux, volunteer, Little Brothers – Montreal (10 years of service)
Easter dinner in the hospital
“I had the pleasure of sharing a holiday meal with an Elder Friend at the hospital. What a joy it was to engage in a vibrant conversation with her and see how pleased she was with the feast prepared by our volunteers. Once again, I saw that volunteering at Little Brothers isn’t just about bringing joy and affection to them, it’s also about getting it in return.”
– Marjolaine Gaudreau, volunteer, Little Brothers – Quebec City
Learning compassion
“It took me a long time to learn the value of true listening, silence and daily humility. I’ve also discovered what it means to be absolutely loyal to someone else and accept them the way they are – what makes them the same and what makes them different – without ever teetering over into complacency.
I’ve been making weekly visits to my Elder Friend for several years now. He’s come to expect and depend on my coming by. Without this sense of acceptance, this joy and this connection with my Elder Friend, the experience would not have flourished. Real compassion is about sticking around for someone through the highs and the lows.”
– Viateur Lavoie, volunteer, Little Brothers – Laval
My first birthday lunch as a volunteer
“What a fun, festive atmosphere! Everyone received such a warm welcome. And the ladies in the community looked younger than they usually do! Several sweet young volunteers were on hand to serve the meal. They all treated me like I was one of their long-time friends. There’s definitely a very happy vibe here!
Just before dessert was served, a musician got up and started playing some favourite songs. His enthusiasm was infectious: people began singing along, having a great time and dancing – My God, how they danced! Their energy was amazing. It makes me think that maybe getting old isn’t so bad after all!”
– Diane Fradette, volunteer, Little Brothers – Montreal
Pairing program
“I feel very lucky and honoured to have been paired with Madame Aurélie. She’s a true friend – my oldest friend. I hope we have lots of wonderful moments still ahead of us.”
– Sylvie Tremblay, volunteer, Little Brothers – Saguenay, paired with Madame Aurélie since
City adventures
Lisette is a retiree who has been paired with Mrs. Laramée, a Montreal resident for nearly 60 years. “We love exploring the city together. My Elder Friend knows Montreal and its history like the back of her hand. She’s a fount of information. We go out for breakfast regularly. We have a few plans in store for this coming summer. Here’s hoping we’re up to it and the weather is on our side!”
– Lisette Paquet, volunteer, Little Brothers – Montreal
