volunteer profile - Gordon

Gordon met Efrem, a recent immigrant from Russia, through CCIS’ Seniors’ Literacy program, now the Seniors Host Program. This partnership has been active for almost 7 years. They meet weekly for about 1.5 hrs. Initially, their focus was ESL. However, their relationship has evolved to the point where now about 50% of their time is spent just being friends and with Gordon helping Efrem understand the Canadian way of handling everyday tasks. Thanks to Gordon, Efrem has learned to use the computer. This helps him stay in touch with family and friends around the world.

Efrem is very well informed and is interested in science and history. Gordon often learns from him about Russian culture, and history and science. Thus, the relationship has become a two way street, with both individuals getting something valuable from the other.

Gordon also visits a senior with Alzheimer’s disease on behalf of Home Care.

He volunteers with Calgary Public Library’s “Reading Advantage Program”. In this capacity he helps adults polish their English language skills. Gordon sits on the Board of the Stroke Recovery Association of Calgary and counsels stroke survivors at the Fanning Centre. He has established the first free speech therapy/practice program for aphasics (people who have lost the ability to speak as a result of a stroke) in Calgary. He leads rehabilitation sessions and recruits volunteers.

He also gives informal talks to seniors’ social organizations on topics of general interest.

The ESL volunteer world is much richer because of the many wonderful “Gordons” in our city. Thank you!