For over three years, Cheryl Horgan has been volunteering as an emergency management responder with the Canadian Red Cross in New Brunswick. She spent some of her time volunteering with our Friendly Calls program in Atlantic Canada and shares how she became comfortable with the role.
Friendly Calls pairs individuals with volunteers for weekly friendly chats. The program was launched by the Red Cross to address loneliness and isolation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to funding from Bell Let’s Talk, there is no cost to an individual requiring assistance other than access to a phone.
Horgan felt unsure about her qualifications at first but added that becoming a Friendly Calls volunteer was easy, due to provided training.
“There are training sessions on how to work through unique scenarios, and information on community resources for those needing them,” she stated. “After it, I was ready to start helping my community and provide support from the comfort of my own home.”
Horgan enjoyed making calls to her clients and talking with them about their day.
“I am always happy to hear the stories of their lives and adventures. Some of their stories have me in tears, I laugh so hard. It’s a nice feeling to be able to make a difference for someone.”
It is thanks to the passion of volunteers like Cheryl that so many people in can find support and comfort during this pandemic.
Thanks to a contribution from Bell Let’s Talk, the Canadian Red Cross has expanded its Friendly Calls program - find out more at
redcross.ca/friendlycalls.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for this program, visit redcross.ca/volunteer.
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