A pandemic-era initiative is winding down at Volunteer Strathcona.
Keep In Touch, a friendly phone call program, was initiated in early Winter of 2022, in response to the need for a little extra community support for isolated seniors. Screened volunteers were paired with seniors who identified as wanting a regular check-in, and once a steady connection to the larger community was established, partnerships were dissolved, and volunteers were re-matched.
Strathcona County residents have done a remarkable job of reconnecting with their community members through block parties, faith groups, informal community gatherings, and a new resource for seniors 55+. As a result, the demand for this service has dwindled, and similar resources, such as the Edmonton Meals on Wheels Friendly Caller, and the Red Cross Friendly Calls programs have emerged to continue supporting those still wanting that extra layer of connection. For volunteers who would like to continue putting their conversational and community building skills to work, the Red Cross is actively recruiting new callers.
