I was matched with an awesome, crazy guy named Morty who is 64 and loves to bowl. When I say he loved to bowl, I mean this guy has been sent around the world bowling with Canada Special Olympics. He laughed at me the entire time when we went bowling... But bowling isn't all he likes to do. Morty and his friends, who live very independently, in single unit flats near the Namur metro, are totally normal and are exactly like you and I.
When I'm with Morty, we usually go to Harvey's burger shop and he tells me about his week at work, working as a janitor in his apartment building. Most nights he has a TV dinner, but eating the same thing every night doesn't bother him, because unlike myself, routine is something Morty needs in his life and it makes him feel the most comfortable.
Before I met Morty, I was unaware that there were so many services and government subsidies for mentally challenged adults, who live independently but require some assistance with things like their finances and applications for jobs. Morty has a care aid who lives on his floor in his building and who he can go to for help or just to chat. Best Buddies is also government subsidized and although the funding could be MUCH larger, the small amount of money does allow Morty and his friends to be able to afford trips to Ottawa and to be able to afford to go bowling every Sunday.
What Morty has taught me about myself is that everyone just wants someone who cares about them and who is curious to ask them how their day was. He doesn't ask for much, but it's so rewarding to hear how excited he gets when I send him a postcard or call to ask what show he watched on TV. He always seems to remember the stories I tell him about particular friends or events in my life, and I sometimes wish that I could show that same sort of interest in all of my own friends' lives.
To get involved with Best Buddies McGill, email bestbuddiesmcgill@gmail.com
or call them at 1-800-89-BUDDY or
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