Embracing a Cycle of Empathy
By Saudah M., Circle of Care Volunteer Writer
Every act of volunteerism strengthens our collective ability to care for one another — and for the growing number of seniors facing loneliness, that care can be life-changing. As health and community systems across Canada navigate increasing demands, volunteers like Aida Nabavi help expand our reach and create meaningful human connections that no system alone can replicate.
Aida’s volunteering journey began with a simple goal — to give back to her local community. She found Circle of Care’s Phone Pals program, which connects volunteers with seniors 55+ experiencing loneliness through weekly phone calls. It resonated with her desire to offer care and support to seniors — a cause that holds a special place in her heart. The program’s remote format offered an added benefit: the chance to make genuine connections and a lasting impact from anywhere. Ten years later, Aida reflects on how she’s grown in the process, strengthened her support skills, and developed heartfelt memories with her clients.
A Reassuring Voice
Every week, Aida’s calls with her clients are spent sharing stories, learning about one another’s lives, and creating a safe space. Each conversation is sparked by Aida’s earnest effort to show her clients that they are heard and seen.
“My aim is to remind and encourage them that they’re not alone,” Aida says. “I can encourage them to go out, talk about friends, or flesh out goals for the week and month.”
Over the years, she’s established a comfortable rapport with her clients, improving her listening and communication skills by taking courses during her studies, or listening to instructional podcasts in her free time. Aida has witnessed visible growth — her clients feel comfortable addressing difficult emotions or moments, no matter how big or small.
A Supportive Listener
Aida credits her success to the way she listens to their needs, which gives her an opportunity to offer compassion in the way they need it the most. She always lets them set the tone and the amount of time needed to express their needs — each call might be a quick check-in with a client or an outlet for venting frustration about their day.
As a Phone Pal, Aida’s favourite aspect is that every single person has a different story. “I like to see where we start and how they evolve,” she shares.
She often offers to take them through a breathing exercise or connect them to a useful resource. It allows her to practice her belief that no one should have to experience pain alone. She makes sure to pray for her clients when she goes to church.
Aida integrates self-care by stepping away, going for a walk, and reflecting on the conversations and commitment to her role. She states, “The cycle continues — one day I’ll be a senior and I would hope to have resources like these where people can ease their loneliness and feel like a part of their community, wherever that may be.”
Building Capacity Through Connection
Aida’s story is one of thousands that illustrate how volunteerism strengthens the fabric of community care. By dedicating just a few hours each week, volunteers extend the capacity of health and social systems — reaching people who might otherwise go unseen or unheard. In an era where loneliness has been called an epidemic, programs like Phone Pals remind us that every connection matters, and every conversation has the power to heal. And with every phone call, Aida reminds us that compassion is a craft — one refined through patience, empathy, and genuine connection.
Learn more about volunteering with Circle of Care by visiting our Volunteer webpage.
