Charlottetown - The PEI Senior Citizens Federation are looking for volunteers willing to be trained as Friendly Visitors. Volunteers are being recruited by this community based, non-profit organization in order to continue their efforts to address the needs of seniors who are socially isolated.  
“The Friendly Visitor program is an extension of a previous program,” said Federation executive director Linda Jean Nicholson, “we are looking for senior volunteers who are willing to spend an hour a week with an isolated senior; to share a cup of tea, play a game of cards, or simply talk.”
With the aging population, there are many Island seniors who are experiencing social isolation due to illness or loss of mobility and need a regular visitor.
 “We’ve hired Michael Frizzell as coordinator of the Friendly Visitor Program through SkillsPEI,” said Nicholson, “he’ll be available to speak with seniors who are interested in volunteering.” 
An information session for volunteers will be held at the Quality Inn on the Hill, 150 Euston Street in Charlottetown on Wednesday, June 30 at 12:30 pm.   
PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation President John Kenny has been a volunteer visitor for five years.  “This program is about seniors helping seniors,” said Kenny.  “Anyone with a genuine desire to be involved in their community and to share their time can be a friendly visitor.”  Kenny urges active seniors to sign up as a volunteer.
Interested seniors are asked to contact Michael Frizzell or Barbara Young of the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation at 368-9008. 

Linda Jean Nicholson
Executive Director
PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Inc.
40 Enman Crescent, Suite 117
Charlottetown, PE  C1E 1E6
902-368-9008
Fax 902-368-9006
www.peiscf.com