Rayne

My name is Rayne and I’m a high school student that is turning 15 years old this October. I live in Scarborough. I am the eldest among my 2 siblings. I was born in the Philippines and my brother was born in Italy while my sister was born here in Canada. My hobbies are swimming and playing volleyball. 5 words that best describe me are kind, smart, hardworking, reliable, and compassionate.

Why did you want to be involved in the Letters to Seniors Program?

I wanted to be involved in the Letters to Seniors Program because it is my way of honouring my grandparents. I understand that being in a pandemic is very challenging especially if you are all alone. Feeling isolated is a terrible feeling and I wanted to use my letter writing and drawing talents to make a difference in each Senior’s life. As simple as putting a smile to their faces by letting them know that I am here for them will mean so much to me.

How has the pandemic affected you?

The pandemic surely wasn’t easy for me and my family. There were lots of changes that needed to be made in order for us to adapt to this new way of living. First of all, as a grade nine I was new to high school. It was strange because of the way school was set up as a result of the pandemic. For instance, school was both online and in person. Throughout the year, we were going back and forth. I was faced with to so many uncertainties and I had no idea what the next day would bring. 

How has this program impacted you?

This program has impacted me not only because it provided me with volunteer hours, but also because it has given me a sense of fulfilment and it brought a lot of happiness to me. I had lots of fun making the cards mainly because I knew I would bring joy to a lonely Senior that was isolated.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Volunteering is something very important to me. It has many benefits and has given me many important skills that I personally think are needed in life. Volunteering has also brought me closer to my community and has inspired me to help out even more! Some of the benefits that I’ve gained from volunteering include: experience, a sense of purpose, commitment, happiness, communication, team work skills, confidence, and new friends.

Here are the pictures of the cards I’ve made:

If you are interested in participating in the Letters to Seniors Program, please email us at info@volunteergrandparents.ca