A program in the nation’s capital has veterans in long-term care connect with volunteers, who are also veterans. The Veteran Volunteer Initiative at Perley Health allows former members of the military to volunteer with its residents to foster connection and community among those whose service has ended. Learning about the history and lives of fellow veterans is something Jocelyn Niven loves about the facility. “You get to know them,” Niven told CTV News Ottawa. “Some of the funniest, smartest, kindest people you will ever run into are residents here.” After serving for 42 years with the Canadian Armed Forces – the avid volunteer says she was looking to build a connection – and found it within the walls of Perley Health, with fellow former service members. Nowadays, Niven says she can hardly make it to the end of the hallway at Perley Health without finding someone to chat with. “I can’t just go down the hallway to get to a place anymore,” Niven said. “There’s too much stopping to talk, to check into the residents, as well as the staff. You couldn’t pry me out of here now.” Veteran liaison coordinator with Perley Health Alma Cook says there are about 130 veterans who live in the building. Cook also says there are 70 retired service men and woman who spend their days with the veterans who call this building home, and the program is run in connection with True Patriot Love, which is a foundation for the military community. “It really touches my heart because sometimes I can’t reach a veteran. But when I put in a volunteer… who served in the same branch, and they’re like, ‘oh!’ It’s great," Cook said. Retired Colonel Claude Charland is a 96-year-old Korean War Veteran, who says the role helps to build bridges across generations. “We all have our own life experience,” Charland said. “That’s one thing. And if we can share that experience with someone else, that’s very important. And because you learn by talking to other people – you get the feel of it, you’re not the only one in the world.” Niven says volunteers do everything from spending time with residents, to helping them go to appointments and attend activities outside of Perley. She says she’s also spent time with those in palliative care. For Niven, one of her favourite ways to get involved is helping with art classes that take place every Wednesday. “I don’t feel like I’m giving back, I feel like almost like I’m stealing,” Niven said. As Remembrance Day approaches, Royal Canadian Navy Retired Lieutenant James Lovette, who is also a resident of Perley, says he appreciates that the facility works to keep the spirit of service and military alive. “For me, it means that there is a voice out in the public saying to Canadians, ‘Lest We Forget,’” Lovette said.
