Johnell Davidson's Fundraiser
Help Bring Friendship & Support to Isolated Elders in the Bay Area
Johnell's 40th Birthday Fundraiser!!
Another year around the sun! Each year I do a birthday fundraiser to support the work of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly. This year I am turning 40, so I want to challenge 40 people to donate $40 for my 40th!!! But don't let the "40" hold you back! Any amount you are able to donate is greatly appreciated.
All
proceeds are donated directly to LBFE to support their incredible
mission to
alleviate isolation and loneliness amongst our older adults in San
Francisco. The money raised will support programs including coordinating
our visiting volunteers, rides to medical appointments, care kits with
daily essentials and the tech allies program where volunteers teach
older
adults the digital skills they need to use the internet independently.
I
have been a volunteer for almost 8 years and on the Board for 4 and
hold this organization near and dear to my heart. The
impact we have on our older adults lives through companionship and our
extraordinary programs is truly life changing for them. I was matched
with an older adult for 2 years, Raoul. We loved going to the movies,
finding new books at the library,
eating hamburgers and milkshakes, going for walks and being an open ear
without judgement for whatever we wanted to share. As the pandemic hit,
it strengthened our communication and bond and I was able to provide a
support system to make sure things like food and basic home items were
secured as items became unavailable. I was someone to talk to when
things were really hard and isolation became a safety measure. He taught
me about what San Francisco was like as a bell hop at many of the
incredible hotels downtown (so many stories!). We found ways to connect
at a distance outside, talk on the phone more and as the world opened
up, we jumped on eating outdoors. I am so grateful for our friendship
and time together because of the connection LBFE helped to make.