admin_bmedia@able2, Author at ABLE2

Arezoo’s Friendship: Finding Purpose Through Volunteering

Two years ago, Arezoo was looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities in the community when she came across ABLE2’s Matching Program. She was drawn to the idea of one-on-one interaction and building a friendship with a person with a disability. She was matched with Sonia, who was then looking for a volunteer for companionship and someone to do activities with.

Over the last two years, Arezoo and Sonia’s friendship has grown into something extraordinary. Their weekly get-togethers became a space filled with laughter, comfort, and a sense of escape from life’s challenges.

“Our time together has given Sonia an outlet to step out of her reality. I’m not part of her healthcare team— I’m just a friend who shows up for her, cracks some jokes and has some fun,” says Arezoo.

She also shares that they have both developed a genuine love and care for each other.

“It’s heartwarming to see Sonia develop that ease of having someone she can rely on,” she adds.

But while Arezoo’s presence has undoubtedly brought comfort and joy to Sonia, she is quick to acknowledge that the experience has been just as enriching for her.

“This experience has definitely given me a sense of purpose,” Arezoo reflects. “It has been grounding as well, to be fully present with someone, to be there for them, rather than thinking of all the things I have to do. It has helped me slow down and appreciate the simple moments in life,” says Arezoo.

Their favourite activity together is to go to a park, sit in the sunshine and feed the pigeons. For someone who is always on the go, Arezoo considers this cherished ritual a meditative experience.

“When Sonia became ill a year ago, I found myself in our usual spot, feeding the pigeons for her. That’s when I realized her impact in my life; the experience was just so simple, but it meant a lot to me,” Arezoo recalls.

Over time their conversations grew deeper, touching on topics like illness and mortality.

“Being part of those conversations has been powerful and sacred,” Arezoo says. “It’s a testament to the depth of the relationship we’ve built.”

For Arezoo, ABLE2’s Matching Program model of developing long-term connections is what sets it apart.

“It might seem like a big commitment to some, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The program doesn’t just protect the well-being of the person with disability, it also creates a sense of safety for the volunteer. The support from social workers, especially in the beginning, was invaluable. Knowing that someone is there to advocate for Sonia has been reassuring,” says Arezoo.

The impact of volunteers like Arezoo extends far beyond just one individual. ABLE2’s Matching Program offers people with disabilities the opportunity to build lasting friendships, have new experiences, and find moments of meaning and joy outside of their everyday challenges. Volunteers, in turn, find purpose, connection, and often, a profound shift in their own lives.

When you support ABLE2, whether as a donor, volunteer, or advocate, you help create meaningful and profound friendships like Arezoo and Sonia’s. Every gift ensures that more people like Sonia can develop friendships based on mutual trust and support, while volunteers like Arezoo can continue to find purpose and connection in giving back.

Join us in empowering more people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy.

Making the Holidays Brighter for People with Disabilities in our Community

As we approach the end of the year—our 50th anniversary milestone year—I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey ABLE2 has taken to empower individuals with disabilities in our community. Since 1974, we have seen thousands of lives changed through our work of breaking down barriers and building lives of meaning and joy. But this work does not happen in isolation—it is a community effort of our compassionate staff, volunteers, generous donors, and loyal supporters.

With the generosity of supporters like you, we have seen firsthand how our programs and services have supported people with disabilities in overcoming these challenges. One story that I am fond of sharing is Michael’s, who has overcome agoraphobia, or fear of public and crowded spaces, with the help of his volunteer Ally Mike from the Matching Program. Early this year, he experienced a breakthrough—he attended his first Ottawa Senators game, something he never thought possible.

Another story from our APSW Program is of Cody, who is gaining independence, confidence, and improving his overall physical and mental health. Similarly, FARP has been a lifeline for families like the Moisans, who received crucial support and resources to better care for their child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). You will find more stories of the impact of our work together on our website.

As we reflect on the past 50 years, I am proud of these incredible transformations. But our work is far from over. Despite the financial challenges this year, the importance of our mission has never been clearer. Individuals with disabilities still face complex and often invisible barriers, from accessing justice to finding safe, affordable housing, to simply connecting with others and building meaningful friendships. We need to continue building a future where everyone—regardless of ability—can thrive, live fulfilling lives, and contribute as active members of the community. This holiday season, I invite you to consider how you can be a part of that future.

Your contribution is more than a gift; it is a powerful message of your commitment to inclusivity in our communities. Your generosity builds meaningful connections through our Matching Program, ensures justice through the Reach Legal Referral Services, supports families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) through the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program, increases financial stability through our Funding Brokerage services, and facilitates independence and growth by helping individuals find accessible and affordable housing through the Adult Protective Services Worker Investment program.

By donating, volunteering, or advocating for ABLE2, you help reduce the barriers, enabling people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives and participate as active members of the community.

As we look ahead to the next 50 years, your gift will ensure that individuals with disabilities can access the support they need to live their lives to the fullest. Let us continue to build a more inclusive Ottawa, where every person is seen as able, important, and valued.

Show your support today. So, together, we can continue building lives of meaning and joy for the next 50 years.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment. Happy Holidays!

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

Thony Jean-Baptiste: Celebrating 19 Years of Championing Change in the Community

Like most people who have known Thony for some time, you’ll be struck by the quiet resilience and deep commitment he brings to his work. Since joining ABLE2 in 2005 as a social worker, Thony has played a pivotal role in developing the critical programs and services that have empowered people with disabilities to gain confidence, achieve independence, and build meaningful friendships. Now, as Director of Programs, Thony’s dedication and passion remains; his commitment for ABLE2’s mission resonates throughout the organization and the community it serves.

Before his involvement with disability advocacy, Thony worked with World Vision in Haiti, helping impoverished communities build resilience and self-reliance. This early experience, he explains, shaped his passion for social work.

“I have always wanted to be an agent of change in my community, to empower the most vulnerable to see their own potential and transform their lives,” he reflects.

When he immigrated to Canada, he saw an opportunity with ABLE2 (formerly Citizen Advocacy) that aligned with his values of empowerment and meaningful change.

Now in his 19^th year with ABLE2, Thony oversees a range of programs, including the Matching Program, which connects volunteers or Allies with individuals with disabilities or Friends to develop a meaning and intentional friendship. The simplicity and power these matches have left a profound mark on Thony.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing the real impact we have on people’s lives,” he says.

He recalls one of his early cases: a young man with significant anxiety, whose only support was his mother. When his mother had to leave for a week, the man was filled with dread, unsure if he could cope alone. Thony found him an Ally, and over time, that match transformed his life. He gained the confidence to move into his own apartment, later met his partner, got married, and even became a community leader.

“It’s stories like these,” Thony reflects, “that show just how much a little support can empower someone to build a life of meaning and joy.”

In a landscape where resources of people with disabilities are often scarce, ABLE2’s programs and services continue to be essential, but not without its challenges. Recruiting enough volunteers to meet the increasing demand for a Match, navigating limited funding resources, and staying financially sustainable in an ever-competitive nonprofit sector are constant hurdles, Thony explains.

“When I started, wait times for a volunteer Match were under two years,” Thony shares. “Now, they stretch beyond three years, as more people need support and fewer volunteers are available.”

Despite the challenges, Thony remains optimistic.

“We are creating a community where people with disabilities can truly belong, where they aren’t just visible, but included,” he says.

Reflecting on changes in the disability space, Thony observes a major shift in how society views disability. In ABLE2’s early days, the work focused on helping people with disabilities be seen out in the community as valued members. Today, the need has evolved from visibility to true inclusion.

“It’s not enough for people with disabilities to just be seen out there. They need the tools and opportunities to fully participate in all aspects of community life,” Thony explains.

This belief drives ABLE2’s programs, designed not just to support but to empower people with disabilities to engage and contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.

Under Thony’s guidance, ABLE2 is expanding its vision for the future. He envisions ABLE2 to be a key player in the disability sector and in building an inclusive community where people with disabilities are empowered to make their own choices, live independently, and have the same opportunities as everyone else.

“People don’t want others making decisions for them, and it’s not different for those with disabilities,” Thony says. “ABLE2 provides tools and support so individuals can advocate for themselves, set their own goals, and pursue the life they envision. It’s about inclusion, true inclusion— helping people live fully and freely as valued members of society.”

Thony’s long-standing dedication to ABLE2 is more than just a career—it’s a calling. His work has not only changed the lives of individuals with disabilities but has also enriched the lives of volunteers and staff alike. His leadership is a testament to the power of compassion and commitment, showing that real change often begins with one person choosing to make a difference.

As ABLE2 celebrates its 50th anniversary, it looks to the future with the same spirit of resilience and hope that Thony brings to his work. But this mission is only possible with the support of the community.

“Every donation, every volunteer hour, helps us build a future where people with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and purpose,” Thony says. “We hope you can join us in creating a world where everyone is seen is able, important and empowered.”

Join Thony in empowering people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy by donating today.

Olga’s Story: Finding Justice with ABLE2’s Reach Legal Referral Services

For Olga, navigating life with a disability has been a constant battle—not just with her physical condition, but with the systems that were meant to support her. Through ABLE2’s Reach Legal Referral Services, she found the legal support she needed to assert her rights and achieve a just resolution to her issues.

Olga, who has spinal stenosis, struggled with mobility issues and faced barriers at her workplace and in the community. When she approached the Human Resources office to request an accessible parking permit/space, she was told that they could not accommodate her request as they had already allotted more spaces than required. Instead, they suggested she take Para Transpo or purchase a walker. Olga felt dismissed, frustrated and unsupported as she tried to navigate a system that seemed to ignore her needs.

She then came across ABLE2’s Reach Legal Referral Services (RLRS), a program mobilizing a network of over 200 legal professionals to provide up to three hours of free and confidential legal support for people with disabilities in the Ottawa region.

“After hearing my situation and the challenges I was going through, Reach Legal Referral Services connected me with a lawyer, issued me a certificate and I met with a lawyer free of charge,” says Olga.

Unfortunately, Olga received a parking ticket despite displaying her accessible parking permit. She appealed against the ticket without success, with officials telling her that having a disability did not “exonerate” her from the fine. With the help of RLRS, Olga challenged the outcome and chose to assert her rights. She stood not just for herself, but for others who could not afford to do so. Olga says, “I chose to go to court, not just for me, but for all the others who have no voice and whose disabilities are ignored.”

For Olga, RLRS served as a steadfast support in challenging an unjust system for people with disabilities. She found her voice, advocated for others, and reminded us that accessibility and inclusivity are rights for everyone, not privileges for a few.

“What I value most about my relationship with RLRS is that [they] indeed care for individuals like me. They listen and act accordingly,” she says.

Olga’s story is one of many that highlight the value of programs like ABLE2’s Reach Legal Referral Services. For many individuals with disabilities, navigating the legal system is often out of reach due to financial constraints or a lack of resources. Without access to legal advice, their rights can be overlooked, their voices unheard.

As Olga so eloquently puts it: “We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a lot to be done to resolve the many challenges people with disabilities face.”

ABLE2’s Reach Legal Referral Services is a lifeline for many, but we cannot continue this work without your generous support. Every donation helps us connect more individuals like Olga to legal professionals who can provide the guidance and advocacy they desperately need.

Please consider making a gift today. Your gift will help empower individuals to stand up for their rights and ensure a more just, accessible and inclusive community where everyone is seen as able, important, and valued.

Mark’s Empowering Journey with ABLE2 Redefines What’s Possible

“What can’t Mark do?” is something you often hear from those who know him. With an energy both infectious and inspiring, Mark’s achievements have defied expectations. From writing a book and starting a business to volunteering and advocating in the community, Mark has spent his life pursuing his passions and making an impact. “I want to make something of my own to be the person I want to be,” he says, with characteristic determination.

When he first walked through the doors of ABLE2 in 2015, formerly Citizen Advocacy, he immediately knew he found something special. “Wow, I’m home for life. This organization feels like family,” he said— a declaration that would mark the beginning of his transformative journey. He signed up for ABLE2’s Matching Program, which pairs individuals with disabilities with volunteers to build long-term friendships. Mark has had four matches over the years, and he shares that his Allies have helped broaden his experiences, gain new skills, increase his self-confidence, and have a more positive outlook in life. When asked why he feels the need for a volunteer Ally since he’s already accomplishing so much on his own, his answer is simple:

“Because of loneliness. My current Ally is Daniel, and I feel like he’s my brother. I would be lost without him. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened in my life; it’s all I could ever ask for.”

Mark with his Ally Daniel at ABLE2’s biggest fundraising event Evening in the Maritimes in May 2024.

Over the years, he’s done everything from volunteering at ABLE2’s events, running 2k and 5k marathons at the Ottawa Race Weekend in support of ABLE2, and enthusiastically contributing to fundraising efforts. He is also an active member of the Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) which provides insights to the Board, representing the best interests of people with disabilities. Mark has always been eager to give back to the community through an organization that he believes in. “If it was not for ABLE2, I wouldn’t be where I am today. ABLE2 has made a difference in my life,” shares Mark.

His affinity for disability advocacy in the community is equally inspiring. As someone who knows the challenges of navigating a world that isn’t always inclusive, Mark often takes the time to speak up for those who need it. “If your establishment isn’t accessible to people with walkers, wheelchairs and service animals, then you’re not making the best decision for your business,” he says, reflecting on his efforts to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in the community.

Mark showing off his kitchen masterpiece at the Parkdale Food Centre.

Mark’s personal milestones are a testament to his lifelong love of learning and continuous growth. With support from ABLE2, Mark returned to school and, in his 50s, proudly completed Adult High School education at St. Nick’s. Since then, he has written a book chronicling his life experiences and the lessons he’s learned, launched ‘Canteen Brothers’, a small business with his best friend Josh, and developed a passion for baking through volunteer work at the Parkdale Food Centre. His ambitions continue— Mark’s next goal is to learn graphic design and animation to help boost his business. Mark also finds joy working at a long-term care facility, where he assists with outings, games, and social activities for the residents.

Mark volunteering at the ABLE2 Annual Picnic in 2024, with fellow volunteer & best friend Josh

Reflecting on his journey, Mark reflects on a time when people would ask him “What are you going to do with your life?” Now, with a big smile on his face, Mark proudly says, “What can I not do with my life?” Living by his own philosophy, he says, “Don’t let your disability get to you; think about what you can do.”

Mark’s story is a testament to what can be achieved through community support and empowerment. Being empowered has enabled him not only to reach remarkable personal milestones, but also to give back, becoming an active, engaged member of the community. And his story is just one among the many inspiring stories ABLE2 has had the privilege to be a part of.

Over the last fifty years, we have seen firsthand how our programs and services have helped thousands of people with disabilities gain confidence, achieve independence, experience personal growth, and engage as active members of the community. This work is made possible by the compassion and generosity of our supporters like you.

Your support for ABLE2, whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, ensures that stories like Mark’s continue. Your contribution helps more people with disabilities receive the resources and connections they need to thrive, develop meaningful friendships, and feel a sense of belonging to a community where everyone is seen as able, important and valued.

Together, we can continue to empower people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy.

Bernie and Janet’s Commitment to Empowering Lives for 50 More Years

Bernie and his wife Janet are long-time supporters of ABLE2. They believe in community involvement and know from first-hand experience how important this is for people with disabilities.

Their son, Alan, has a developmental disability, and they have worked throughout his life to support him in building a secure life of meaning and joy. Both have also been involved in the lives of others with disabilities. Janet was a volunteer Ally with the Matching Program, and she and Bernie were part of a network of support for another individual with a disability, to provide a safe and secure future.

It is also important to both Bernie and Janet that they contribute financially to local organizations that foster community involvement. ABLE2 is one of the charities they support. They believe in our work and know how important it is to those with disabilities and their families.

For many years they have been generous monthly donors. More recently, they have gifted stocks to ABLE2. Bernie says, “It makes sense financially. There are significant tax savings for us if we donate this way. We are relieved of capital gains tax, and we get a charitable tax receipt too. This makes it affordable for us.”

Advocates like Bernie and Janet are making a profound impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, through their gift of stocks. Their support furthers our mission of providing direct-impact programs and services so that more people with disabilities can foster meaningful friendships, gain independence, and be active members of our community. We invite you to join supporters like Bernie and Janet in empowering lives for 50 more years.

Names have been changed for privacy.

More Than a Match: Combating Loneliness and Social Isolation for People with Disabilities

Loneliness is often dismissed as a temporary state with simple remedies such as going out with friends, learning a new hobby, or finding a community that shares the same interests. But for people with disabilities, loneliness and social isolation can be profound, pervasive, and far more challenging to overcome. While other pressing concerns related to living with a disability overshadow the issues, loneliness and social isolation can contribute to declining mental and physical health. Research shows that loneliness has the same harmful impacts on the body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Moreover, it can impair the immune system, increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and lead to depression and other psychological disorders.

At ABLE2, we see the harsh reality of loneliness in the disability community every day. Many of the individuals we serve face unique barriers to building social connections— whether due to mobility challenges, communication difficulties, or lack of accessible social opportunities. Often, their interactions are limited, leaving them yearning for much more engaging social connections with people who choose to be there for them.

Findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on adult life, reveal that close relationships are crucial for happiness and health, more so than wealth or fame. Strong social connections can delay both mental and physical decline and are better predictors of long, happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes. For people with disabilities, programs like ABLE2’s Matching Program have been a cornerstone of fostering meaningful and intentional friendships for people with disabilities in Ottawa for the last five decades.

The program pairs individuals with disabilities, known as “Friends”, with volunteers or “Allies” according to location and shared interests. These volunteers offer companionship, emotional support, and opportunities for social engagement, all by choice. ABLE2, formerly known as Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, was established with this core program to support people with disabilities transitioning from institutions to community living. For the last 50 years, we have seen the profound impact of these connections. As matches develop relationships based on mutual trust and support, people with disabilities feel less lonely and isolated, improving their overall mental and physical health.

Michael’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of these connections. Living with agoraphobia, or fear of open or crowded spaces, Michael shares that for many months, he would often only see a handful of people. But earlier this year, he experienced a breakthrough—he went to his first Ottawa Senators game, an event with 17,000 screaming fans and loud noises. But he wasn’t alone. He was with his volunteer Ally Mike, who has been his steadfast support in helping him gain confidence and comfort in being in the community.

For Arne and Norman, ABLE2’s longest Match of over 40 years, their bond has grown stronger with time; for Patricia and Sophia, who have shared 15 years of companionship and now consider each other as family.

Each of these stories demonstrates how a simple friendship can transform lives, and the value of emotional and social support that is willingly offered by a friend— by someone who wants to be there for you.

When you reflect on your own network of relationships, it’s clear how important these connections are in navigating life’s ups and downs— whether it’s moving to a new city, making big life decisions, or coping with trauma or loss. Now imagine how challenging building these connections is for someone with a disability. Loneliness and social isolation aren’t just experienced by the few; they are becoming an epidemic, and we all can play a role in combating it.

At ABLE2, we are incredibly proud of our dedicated and compassionate volunteers, donors and supporters who have joined us in reducing loneliness and social isolation for people with disabilities. If volunteering is not possible for you right now, consider making a donation to ABLE2 so that we can continue this vital work. I invite you to join ABLE2 in empowering people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy.

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

Patricia and Sophia: A Match Turned Family

Fifteen years ago, Patricia was a stay-at-home mom looking for ways to stay involved in the social services field. A former colleague connected her to ABLE2’s Matching Program, where she would meet Sophia. Little did they know that this match would profoundly impact both their lives and that they would become a part of each other’s families.

As Sophia began to go on regular outings with Patricia, she also started spending more time with Patricia’s children. They enjoy watching Disney movies, having dinners at Swiss Chalet, and outings together.

“I have grown to love Patricia’s children like my own siblings, and I am grateful to be a part of a bigger family outside of my group home,” says Sophia.

In the same way, Patricia advocates for Sophia’s needs in her group home and has been recognized as one of Sophia’s caregivers. It’s remarkable to see how their friendship evolved into a bond as strong and devoted as that of family members.

It’s often assumed that volunteers are the ones giving – sharing their time and making a difference in the lives of people and the causes they support, but as we have witnessed with ABLE2’s Matching Program, our volunteer Allies gain as much, if not more, from their experience. Patricia believes that stepping out of our own little worlds and expanding who we’re sharing our lives with is a good thing.

She adds “Having Sophia in my life has given me more meaning and helped me feel more of a part of our community, and just feel more connected to everyone around us.”

What’s remarkable about Patricia’s journey with ABLE2 is that when she decided to return to the workforce in 2023, she knew she wanted to work with the organization. “I had a feeling it would be a good place to join, and I was right. It’s been a good place to work and a good opportunity to help more people in the community and help them change their lives as well.” Patricia has been instrumental in ABLE2’s Adult Protective Services Worker (APSW) Investment program, as well as supporting our events and planning committees.

To this day, Sophia and Patricia continue to share many milestones and meaningful moments together, not just as a Match, but as family.

“I am glad that Patricia and I met through ABLE2’s Matching Program because I have been able to enjoy going out into the community, experience new things, and meet a lot of people. I know I can rely on Patricia for support, and I know she will always be there for me,” shares Sophia.

Patricia and Sophia at Evening in the Maritimes in 2022

Patricia and Sophia’s story is just one of the many that have been formed through ABLE2’s Matching Program. The intentional friendships created enable individuals with disabilities to develop connections based on mutual trust and support, engage in social activities, and live much more fulfilling lives.

Making friends does not come easy for most people with disabilities. When you support ABLE2, you help foster these meaningful relationships and combat social isolation and loneliness among people with disabilities. Learn more about what you can do to empower more individuals like Sophia to build lives of meaning and joy.

Noor and Parissa: A Pair Made For Each Other

For many people with disabilities, forming friendships can be a challenge. ABLE2’s Matching Program pairs a volunteer or “Ally” with a person with a disability or “Friend” based on shared interests. This allows them to develop a meaningful and intentional friendship that are built on mutual trust, support and understanding. Noor and Parissa’s friendship is a perfect example of how impactful these connections can be.

Noor was 14 years old when her social worker at the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre recommended that the family investigate finding a volunteer Ally through ABLE2. Their goal was to help Noor, who lives with Dandy-Walker Syndrome, increase her independence, improve her social connections and help her explore new things.

In 2015, Noor was introduced to Parissa who was looking for a volunteer role that would allow her to give back to the community.

Noor and Parissa immediately hit it off and have been getting together approximately once a week. They both love to be active, and this has been the focus of their outings. Some of things they enjoy doing together are going to the gym, swimming and walking Noor’s dog. Noor really enjoys the time she spends with Parissa and Parissa feels her life has been enriched by their friendship. The benefits of this match don’t stop there as Noor’s family are so happy to have Parissa in their life and to see Noor flourishing.

Through the Matching Program, individuals like Noor are not only developing meaningful connections, but also gaining opportunities to engage and socialize within their community. The intentional friendships have a ripple effect, positively impacting not only the lives of the Friends but also their families and their Allies.

Noor and Parissa’s story is only one of the many Matches that ABLE2 has fostered for the past 50 years. This life-changing work is made possible thanks to the generosity of our partners, donors and supporters. We invite you to join us in continuing this legacy by donating to empower lives for 50 more years.

Neena and Debby: Celebrating 19 years of Friendship

Neena and Debby’s story began 19 years ago when they met through ABLE2’s Matching Program. Neena was looking for an opportunity to create intentional relationships with long-term impacts and she certainly found this in her relationship with Debby.

Neena, who has served on ABLE2’s Board, took her commitment to the next level by becoming an Ally with the Matching Program. When asked what motivated her to volunteer, she says

“I’ve always believed in giving back into the community… I was looking for something that was a little more long-term, something that was more one-on-one. When I joined [ABLE2], I got to meet Debbie, and we hit it off right away.”

Beyond their shared activities, Neena and Debby are dedicated advocates for ABLE2, and have done their fair share of raising awareness and fundraising in support of the organization. For many years, they have participated in the Annual Ottawa Race Weekend to support ABLE2. In 2019, they shared their experiences as a Match at ABLE2’s signature fundraising event, Evening in the Maritimes. The following year, they came on CTV Morning Live to promote the event and talk about their special friendship. Watch their appearance on CTV Ottawa here.

Neena says when she thinks about the impacts of their relationship, she sees the effects it has had for them both.

“I help Debby by supporting her through the not-so-good times, being understanding and patient, being flexible, introducing her to things that may not be readily accessible to her, helping her find her “voice, to stand up for herself and in turn improve her self-confidence by being a good friend”.

Neena goes on to talk about the impact Debby has had on her.

“She has helped me in so many ways. I have learned to see the world with a different lens, the Debby lens, and it’s a heartening perspective. You see, Debby looks for the good in everyone, she always gives. She gives people the benefit of the doubt, she always wants to help, she provides joy through her singing and dancing. She truly sees the wonder in this world and in this beautiful life.”

Neena sums up their relationship –

“I cannot express how much Debby matters to me. We started off as friends and have become family. She is an aunt to my son, and a sister to me and my husband. Through ABLE2 I have met an energetic, capable, empathetic and insightful women who I am blessed to call a dear friend.”