A 13 year old with a heart of gold is somewhat of a rarity in this day and age. Add to that an abiding respect and love for seniors, and one can’t help but feel that a true gem has been uncovered.
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| Thank you Joaquin from everyone at ASC |
Joaquin Valdez was born and raised in Peru. The deep appreciation he has for his elders began at a very young age, while growing up at the feet of his grandfather. Close ties through the generations are very important to his family. However, this made it extremely difficult to say goodbye when his parents decided to move the family to Canada. Yet, through his volunteer work at Seine River Retirement Residence, Joaquin has found many surrogate grandparents. And surprisingly, it happened almost by accident.
After his dad missed picking him up from school one day, Joaquin decided to walk over to Seine River where his mother was volunteering in order to get a ride home. Work was being done for Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and rather than just wait around for his mom to finish, he jumped right in to help…and has volunteered there ever since.
Because of his selfless spirit and unwavering commitment, Joaquin is a recipient of an All Seniors Care Outstanding Volunteer Award for 2012. The award seeks to acknowledge and thank outstanding individuals who donate their time and talent to an All Seniors Care residence. Joaquin will be receiving his award at ASC’s volunteer appreciation brunch - “Did anyone tell you today, You’re Terrific!”.
Some of Joaquin’s more memorable volunteering moments occurred when he helped out as a dog-walker for the residents with pets, “A dog got away from me once. Luckily he was still inside the building so I tracked him down,” he laughs. He’s also assisted with lawn care, office work, field trips and friendly visiting. “The field trips are fun, plus I get to see a lot more of the city and learn where things are.” He also recounts a very touching moment when he went to deliver some mail to a resident who had had to move to a different location. “I remember I got there about 4pm to drop the mail off, and didn’t leave until 7pm…we just spent the time talking.”
It hard to believe this is a young man of only 13, who forges strong relationships, regardless of age, by simply caring. “Joaquin is the perfect example of how strong relationships, where all stereotypes about age are dissolved, can be formed,” states Heather Mutcheson, Vice-President, Manitoba Region. “He has such a respect for the wisdom of his elders, no doubt from the relationship he had with his grandfather.”
Beyond his volunteer work, Joaquin likes to play in a band, do lighting work for school productions, and hang out with his sister. Both Valdez kids hope to go into medicine one day. And if Joaquin’s compassion and maturity are any indication, they will go extremely far, blazing trails the whole way.
On behalf of All Seniors Care and the staff and tenants of Seine River, congratulations to Joaquin, and thank you for caring. You’re terrific!
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