Martin Friedman is more than a resident of the Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged.
He’s also a volunteer who gives countless hours of his time to the organization as a whole. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, he’s a friendly greeter in the morning just inside the doors of the Apotex Centre and again for half an hour after lunch, offering a squirt of sanitizer and available to provide directions to visitors in need of a helping hand. If he ever notices an issue, he contacts someone to address the concern.
“I know lots of people,” he says. “I say good morning to them and they talk to me. I even talk to the TTC Wheel-Trans drivers.”
Friedman has also helped at numerous fundraising events organized by the Baycrest Foundation, including the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s, Red Carpet film nights, the Barrie 2 Baycrest bicycle ride and Gottdenker Hall of Honour celebrations.
When he’s not volunteering, Friedman can often be found at the Donald and Elaine Rafelman Creative Arts Studio making pottery and other works of art. He also enjoys regular outings to Harbourfront and musical performances downtown, where he picks up ideas for entertainment that he shares with organizers of Baycrest’s own concert series.
Janis Sternhill, the Director of Volunteer Services, says about 2,000 volunteers give their time and energy to Baycrest each year. She notes that Martin started volunteering in 1994 – long before he became a resident.
“As you can see, having Martin as a volunteer for over 20 years has enriched our Baycrest community,” she says.
Help write Baycrest’s next chapter
Help Baycrest realize its vision of a world where every older adult enjoys a life of purpose, inspiration and fulfilment.
Donate Now
Our Next Chapter highlights the connections between our residents, patients, families and staff. These stories underscore the ways in which we are working together to fulfil a promise to realize our vision, and the important impact of committed supporters.