20 • BrainMatters • Spring/Summer 2022
In response to the pandemic, a special project was
developed at Baycrest to connect generations
through weekly phone calls and lift the spirits of
teens and older adults alike.
The Baycrest Buddies program helped reduce social
isolation by pairing 25 volunteer participants aged 16
to 18 with older adults who live at Baycrest or belong
to the Azrieli Foundation's Café Europa, a group
program for Holocaust survivors.
The volunteer cohorts were drawn from the Camp
Manitou Counsellors-in-Training program and a teen-
led group called Pan(demic) Pals, which was created
by students from Upper Canada College. We are
grateful to Camp Manitou and the Pan Pals for their
collaboration and for championing this initiative.
The Baycrest Buddies program provided a unique
opportunity for young people to develop a long-term
relationship with seniors in a fun and meaningful way.
The phone calls have been a valuable support for the
older adults and enjoyed by the volunteers, who learned
from the perspectives of their telephone buddies.
"We have bonded over our common interests and
storytelling," says Samantha Blackstein, a Camp
Manitou volunteer. "My buddy has taught me the
importance of staying creative, and I always know
who to count on to give me advice."
After pausing many volunteer opportunities due to
COVID-19, Baycrest is welcoming volunteers back on-site.
There are a variety of engaging volunteer opportunities
available at this time. If you would like to learn more,
please visit baycrest.org/volunteer, or you may contact
Volunteer Services by phone 416-785-2500 ext. 2572
or email volunteer@baycrest.org.
BAYCREST
BUDDIES
MANITOU-TERRACES
BUDDIES
PAN
PAL
-
CAFÉ
EUROPA
BUDDIES
