During the pandemic, 15-year-old Osman Lo has been visiting residents at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre once a week, via Skype. He reads stories, tells jokes, plays games and performs magic tricks.
For the past five years, Osman has been volunteering at the Edmonton General, where his mother, Eudora Chan, is a recreation assistant.
“My mother brought me to her facilities, and I joined as a volunteer when I was 10 years old,” says Osman.
Osman normally visits every couple of months and sends out the newspaper, reads stories to residents and plays games with them. However, Osman mostly likes to chat. “He is a talker,” says Eudora. “His favourite topic is NBA. He enjoys the moment.” Visiting over Skype has allowed him to communicate with his friends more often.
Friends like Joseph Rose, who is one of the residents who is grateful for the chance to visit with Osman via technology. The pair have been friends for four years, and Osman also used to visit Joseph’s sister when she lived there. Osman sings to Joseph, and they challenge each other with math problems.
Osman says the best part about volunteering is the friends he’s made.
“Staff and residents alike look forward to when we can connect with him to see what he has planned for our visit,” says Brenda Neuman, a recreation therapist. “Despite his busy school schedule, Osman never fails to disappoint! Thanks to Osman for the joy and laughter he brings to us!”
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