Margie Travers and Arno Riddel volunteer with In Great Company

A volunteer program is giving elderly residents who risk isolation within the community an opportunity to socialise: Meet the duo who grew a special bond.

Margie Travers and Arno Riddel, enjoying a cuppa with Ted, met through In Greater Company, a free volunteer program designed to connect seniors with caring volunteer visitors who are looking for genuine friendships and meaningful connections. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Every second Wednesday, surrounded by paintings in the front sunroom of 85-year-old Arno Riddel’s Newtown home, Margie Travers stops by for an hour to chat with him, share some of her baking, and have a laugh over a cup of tea.

The duo have been meeting for almost a year now, and the bond they have created abounds in joy as they share milestones in life, having birthdays, Easter and Christmas celebrations in the hour they meet.

Margie Travers and Arno Riddel met through In Greater Company, a free volunteer program designed to connect seniors with caring volunteer visitors who are looking for genuine friendships and meaningful connections, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Because of what I saw in aged care, the loneliness really broke my heart,” Ms Travers said.

Legally blind and with the help of a support worker through NDIS, she signed up to In Great Company, a volunteer program that aims to build meaningful relationships between elderly and isolated people with volunteers.

Now, every fortnight, she visits Mr Riddel’s home, an 85-year-old who suffered a stroke about 20 years ago.

Mr Riddel is 85-years young, and while his mobility and health keeps him seated or confined to a wheelie-walker, his attitude, expressive gestures, and laughter bounce around the room, filling the space with happiness.

“Laugh a lot, live longer,” he said.

For what Mr Riddel lacks in mobility, he makes up for in creativity – the sunroom is filled with his art: sketches, paintings, and tapestries.

Margie Travers and Arno Riddel met through In Greater Company, a free volunteer program designed to connect seniors with caring volunteer visitors who are looking for genuine friendships and meaningful connections, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Last fortnight, the duo celebrated Mr Riddel’s 85th birthday, and as a gift, Ms Travers baked him a cake shaped like Ted, his small and wilful dachshund.

At first the cake was a dog, but after a few pieces, it quickly turned into a puppy, Ms Travers said.

Ms Travers said the experience has been so “rewarding” as she continues to build her friendship with Mr Riddel.

In Great Company is a free volunteer program designed to connect seniors with caring volunteers, delivered by the not-for-profit Aged Care service provider Feros Care.

If you’d like to know more about the program, visit www.ingreatcompany.com.au