For Philip Paquet, The Second Mile Club’s Carlton St. branch has become like a second home. Arriving with his coffee, muffin and vibrant sense of humour, he spends four full days each week assisting with The Club’s Adult Day Program, which provides a variety of activities and exercises for frail, elderly individuals. Philip is both a member and volunteer at The Club, a role he has held for the last 15 years.
Philip began volunteering at Meals-on-Wheels shortly after he retired, but when a friend introduced him to The Second Mile Club, he decided to switch. “They were having a lot more fun here,” says Philip jokingly.
Because of his extensive experience at the Carlton St. Branch and his familiarity with the Adult Day Program clients, Philip has become a Jack-of-all-trades and is able to lend a hand to staff and clients alike. His favourite duties include running programs like bowling and darts—bowling because he is excellent at it, and darts because he has created a simplified set of rules to allow
more people to participate.
Volunteering with this population, some of whom have mild dementia, can be complex. As such, both Philip and Janice Richardson, one of The Second Mile Club’s Program Coordinators, emphasize the importance of patience and humour with the volunteers and staff.
Philip’s warm, inclusive personality is evident the moment you meet him. Janice explains that Philip has a special gift for making new clients, who are often cautious or uncertain, feel at ease. Philip’s genuine appreciation for the role The Club has played in his life may contribute to his special touch. “It saved my life,” he says, “It’s what I needed when I retired."
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