Bridging the gap

It may make for an unusual friendship, but the pairing of volunteer advocate Mark Cosentini and Barbara Richardson has been a hit.

“He’s a gem,” says Mrs. Richardson of her 28-year old advocate.

West Island Citizen Advocacy introduced them in September of 2007 and since then Cosentini has been her chauffeur, handyman and shopping companion. For the 79-year-old widow, his practical and emotional support means that she is able to maintain her independence while still living in her own home.

“He’s an expert in a lot of things, he notices if things need to get fixed around the house and will do anything that needs to get done,” she says. “I can’t think of anyone better than him.”

The match has been beneficial to both. “Some people may feel that volunteering is a chore, but I really enjoy the time I spend with her,” says Cosentini. “I think I’ve changed, I’ve become a much more patient person.”

In addition to his weekly commitment to his elderly protégé, Cosentini volunteers with CIMOI (Centre d’Intégration Multi-Services de l’Ouest de l’Île), which helps newly arrived families adjust to life in Quebec. He also helps at the Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Board with children who have learning difficulties. “There are so many different organizations that need people, and volunteering is a constructive way of helping people out,” he says.

Richardson realizes the difficulty of holding onto a great volunteer advocate and hopes her new found friendship will continue long into the future. “He’s a good talker and great listener, I’m going to hang onto him for dear life.”

West Island Citizen Advocacy is a community non-profit organization that matches volunteer advocates with people in the community who need practical or emotional support, whether elderly, intellectually or physically challenged, socially isolated or experiencing mental health problems. Support can include daily assurance phone calls, social visits, accompaniment to appointments, or help with grocery shopping and errands.

For more information about becoming a volunteer advocate, please call West Island Citizen Advocacy at 514-694-5850 or 514-631-9151. There is a match waiting for you.