For Marthangi, Circle of Care has been the perfect place to make a difference. After finishing her Biomedical Science degree, she decided to take a gap year in 2024. While looking for volunteer opportunities online, she came across Circle of Care, and it instantly stood out. After a quick response from the staff, she felt confident that this was the right place for her. Marthangi had a personal connection to the work, as she had family members who went through cancer treatments, so she resonated and appreciated the work that Circle of Care provides to help support and care for seniors within the community.
A Passion for Helping Seniors
When Marthangi started volunteering in August, she immediately felt welcomed in the caring and positive environment at Circle of Care. She’s always felt close to older adults, having grown up with her 87-year-old grandmother living with her family. Her parents, who immigrated from Sri Lanka, taught her the value of hard work, community, and giving back. Their own struggles settling into Canada made Marthangi appreciate how important it is to help others, and that’s something she’s carried with her as a core value.
At Circle of Care, Marthangi helps with administrative and clerical work and also co-facilitates activities for Russian-speaking seniors in the “Let’s Get Together” program. Though she doesn’t speak Russian, she finds that a smile and a few simple English words can create a bond with the clients. She believes that kindness is a universal language, and she always works to respect the seniors’ independence while still offering help when needed.
One of the challenges she faces is the language barrier with the Russian-speaking seniors, many of whom don’t engage in conversation. But she stays focused on creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, where everyone can connect, even without words. She says that just being present and offering a smile can make a difference.
Making a Difference and Looking Ahead
Marthangi’s love for working with seniors started in high school when she volunteered at a seniors’ home in Scarborough, helping with Bingo socials. She continued this work during the pandemic and it influenced her decision to pursue a career in medicine. She’s now considering medical school, with plans to become a family doctor who focuses on prevention and healthy living.
She believes that after-hospital care, like the Meals on Wheels program at Circle of Care, is vital for seniors. She sees the impact of these programs, ensuring seniors have nutritious meals, companionship, and the support they need to live independently. For Marthangi, volunteering at Circle of Care is more than just a way to give back—it’s a stepping stone toward her career goals, and a chance to make a real difference.
Marthangi believes strongly that seniors, who have given so much to society, deserve our care and respect. She sees organisations like Circle of Care as essential in providing the support seniors need to live with dignity. “If there were more organisations like Circle of Care,” she says, “we’d have better support for seniors. They’ve worked hard for our community, and now it’s our turn to give back to them.”
By Evelyn Reyes, Circle of Care Volunteer Writer
