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The Canadian Champion, Friday, January 30, 2009 - B15 Friendly visits offer mutual rewards By Stephanie Hounsel CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF Every Fniday mrnrng, 92-year- old Helen Gundlack receives a visit rom a dear friend. Surnetmes the pair nis errands, getting things done that Gundlack couldnî uon her own. Other uies tbey vîsît the library And surnennies they smply have a cup of tea, catching up on lis a txx ýo-way fiend-ship thats Uoil to nîeain a lot to btîhl adie-, And the decacsptnning age dif- icrent.e duesn't -cenit o iballet une bit. lu lact. mnas-be hî par tii wha bai akes the eltiunsuspc-~ -Helen ts like ariluît Io t me 1 kno\w ber lbtiet than I1knew ut graucipareutis. fit, iipolitant lut Ie ts e c ibti eaii-di i'an ulder pcv-ou esptauued 'ic- ands . tuui ia t itcet istit \«:failli Ille ldel ts uttat i v t.iukx - flli ut prist-oilu \inodwii Idun t tikti ib utc aux utli b ers lîkc lber" ,le -aid seuudis The Frieudix \ tisitliug pi ugrilu matches isolated or loncly seniors~ with traîned volunteers h vit from two to thrce hours each week. \Vhile some matched pairs preler lu it and chat, for others ils an invalu- able lime tO rmn errands and gel out of the house for a littie bit, explained volunteer co-ordmnator Brenda Sales. Instant connection Sitting beside Amodîo in ber quaint apartment at a seniors' comn plex, Gundlack remembered the first ime the pair met. 1I liked ber righî away," Gundlack said of Amodio. -Shes a wonderful listener." With Gundlack's husband bav- ing recently moved to Allendale, the older woman said her friend's visits have become al the more important. As someone who grew Upini a large family, an empîy bouse isn't sometbîng shes used îo, Gundlack said. And her îwo chul- dren dont lîve nearby. Friday momnings give her some- îhing t0 look forward t0. Otten the pair visits tbe library îogether, where Amodîo belps Gundlack pick ouI books on tape. Another of Gundlack's favourite trips 15 10 the thrifî sbop to hunt for treasures. Amodio said the way Gundlack bas aged wttb grace and beauty has set an example for bier to follow. "Helens got a great sense of humour. Sbes very young in spi. She makes jutkes abouît getting old, but she neyer cumplains." she saîd. The way shes able îu accept get- ting lder 1 think hlps nie îo have a positive attitude." Amodiu strcssed the time spent volunîeering doesnt feel lîke a chore - far froi i. Both sbe and Gundlack - wbos a member of the Milton District Hospital Auxiliary - know the value of volunîeen-ng and urge others 10 give it a ury. -see AMODIO on page B17 ~4.~c9 TF~ QFF~E -- ,v~f- SPECIAL BOND: Acciaim Health volunteer Sandy Arnodio (right> visits writh client Heler Glindiack FiaeNt1 $ 10,000 Payment-Free, Interest-Free Loan Provincial / Federal Govern ment funded downpayment assistance program may be able to help you get into your own home now! t;'Ontario Canada $10,000 in Government funded downpayment assistance is now available to renters in Halton Region. Canadian banks require a minimum of 5% downpayment for a mortgage. This can take a long time 10 save ... until now. Through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program, you may qualify for: 1. A $10,000 payment-free, interest-free loan to use as a downpayment on a home. 2. Automatic loan forgiveness after 20 years. Alil Applications must be received by January 31, 2009. Cail us flow to find out more details. Cali: 905-631-9177 ext. 25 Halton Heritage Realty lue. is the Government selected delivery agent for the program in Halton Region. To learn more about the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Prograni, visit us online at wwwhaItonheritage.com or cali 905-631-9177 ext. 25. For complete program terms, visit the Ontario Municipal Aff airs & Housing webîite at www.mah.gov.on.ca. ïý .44 ,-N7, C