We Have the CAUSE… You Have the EFFECT!
The Accompagnement bénévole de l'Ouest —Volunteer Accompaniment Service, better known as ABOVAS, is a non-profit organization that accompanies West Island residents who are in a vulnerable situation to their medical and social appointments. In other words, ABOVAS volunteers drive and accompany its clients to medical appointments, treatments, surgery, grocery shopping, support groups, banking, and more. ABOVAS clients are often isolated and face physical or mental challenges that make every step difficult.
For some, the simple act of asking for help takes all their courage; for others, the volunteer at their door is the only person they've spoken to all week. An 88-year-old Pointe-Claire resident said that, thanks to ABOVAS, “I feel less alone at a time in my life when my body doesn't react the way it used to; the fact that your volunteer is with me, supporting me, talking to me while we wait for the doctor, or helping me see the little labels at the grocery store, makes life easier and makes me feel more confident and capable. I'm very grateful for your service. I don't know what I'd do without it.”
The number of requests ABOVAS receives continues to grow; although ABOVAS has succeeded in recruiting a record number of volunteers over the past year, its work is far from over. With the increase in the senior population in the West Island, ABOVAS is currently at a crossroads, helping the clients already served with the number of volunteers it currently has. To be able to accept more requests, more volunteers are needed — it’s as easy as that.
Have you been thinking about volunteering?
Do you find yourself with some free time during the week?
Are you looking to have a direct impact on someone’s life in your community?
If you own a reliable car, have a few hours a week to offer, are patient, compassionate,
and care to help others… Come volunteer for ABOVAS.
Visit ABOVAS’s website at https://www.abovas.com. Contact ABOVAS by telephone at 514-513-3838 and by email at info.social@abovas.com. You can even check out the ABOVAS Facebook page!