Melanie is Walking for her Friends

Melanie Freeman has a big heart.

She also likes to walk. And she loves living at Carefor Civic Complex. She’s brought these three things together for a new campaign: Care for Seniors with Melanie.

Between now and the end of 2025, Melanie will be walking to raise money to support her friends living at Civic Complex and Mackay Centre retirement homes in Pembroke. The money she raises will be used for Carefor to purchase such things as pet therapy, swimming, a keyboard, art supplies, performer fees, transportation to medical appointments, painting parties and much more.

Help us keep costs low

As not-for-profit retirement homes, Carefor Civic and Mackay do everything they can to keep the cost of accommodation low so that seniors on fixed incomes have a place they can afford. As a charity, Carefor is grateful to have the support of the community to cover the cost of things like recreation programming and events, which give our seniors the retirement they deserve. With your help we can keep our homes affordable for local seniors!

Knowing what Carefor retirement homes have meant to her friends, Melanie is taking it upon herself to hit the pavement to raise money to make the Holiday season brighter for them.

To help Melanie reach her target of $12,000, donate to www.carefor.ca/donate-pembroke

Thank you for helping Melanie reach her goal!

Read Melanie’s story of overcoming hardship

When Patricia moved to Pembroke four years ago, she hoped to meet new people and give back to her community. She found the Carefor Friendly Visiting Program and was matched with Therese, a 96-year-old woman living in a local retirement home. What began as a simple volunteer visit has grown into a deep and lasting friendship. They’ve been meeting every week for over three years.

“I brought games on the first day,” Patricia says, “but Therese said, ‘No, no, we’re just going to talk.’ And we haven’t stopped talking since.”

Both women are mothers, grandmothers, and have lived full lives. They connect over shared experiences, from politics and parenting to baseball and aging. One of Therese’s favourite memories? “My son took me to see the Blue Jays in Toronto,” she says proudly. “It was wonderful.”

Patricia, who is retired, finds comfort in her talks with Therese. “She used to be a nurse, so I can talk to her about things I don’t want to burden my family with. It’s not just small talk—it’s meaningful.”

Even in the summer, when Patricia spends time at her cottage, the connection stays strong. “I call her every week from Lakefield,” she says. “We always stay in touch.” For Therese, who has family living far away, the visits bring connection and joy. “My sons call every night, but it’s not the same as seeing someone. I didn’t think I wanted a visitor but Patricia is different. She’s a friend.”

Friendly visiting helps reduce isolation and loneliness, which can seriously affect seniors’ health. It’s not just about companionship—it’s about well-being. “I think people assume volunteering is about giving,” Patricia says. “But I’ve received so much in return. It brightens my week.”

The commitment is small—just an hour or two a week—but the impact is huge. Patricia encourages others to try it. “If you have a caring heart and a little time, you’ll get back more than you ever expected.”

Want to become a Friendly Visiting Volunteer?
Carefor is always looking for kind, compassionate people. Visit carefor.ca or contact your local office at 613-732-9993 to learn more. Because sometimes, a simple visit can change two lives—for good.

It’s time to March for Meals !

Food insecurity and isolation are two major problems facing seniors in our community. With the cost of food and transportation, more and more seniors are finding it harder to age at home. Can you help them?

Your donation will help provide isolated and vulnerable seniors across Pembroke-Renfrew County access to a nutritious meal delivered to their door. But Meal Delivery is more than just ensuring nutrition; it’s also about making sure someone is doing okay.

Your donation helps change this. You’ll be helping put a meal on a table and smile on a face.

A $20 donation, means three meals and three visits. A $100 donation means fifteen times, the gift of nutrition and friendship is coming into someone’s life thanks to you.

Our seniors have looked after us their whole lives. It’s time for us to look after them.

Please give today.