Matthieu Koy is a proud Actionmarguerite volunteer. He gives of his time and energy to support residents in their daily lives, but above all, he believes he has discovered the true secret of volunteering: he receives as much as he gives. This father of three and his wife are originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was a doctor and medical administrator.
“I’ve been a newcomer here in Manitoba since the end of July 2024,” he shares. “In my efforts to integrate into the community, the agencies I dealt with talked about the importance of volunteering. I did my research to find a place where I could use my skills.”
He eventually chose Actionmarguerite as the first place he’d go to make a community contribution, and he was immediately delighted with the quality and structure of the organization. “In the Congo, it’s churches and the community that take care of aging people,” observes Koy. “An organization like Actionmarguerite was new to me. Right away, I understood that it’s not at all a ‘day care center’ for the elderly, but a real home with a range of programs and services to ensure their well-being.”
The health administrator in him was also delighted to get an insider’s view of how health and social services organizations work. “Micheline St-Hilaire, the Executive Director here, shared the organization’s strategic plan with us,” says Koy.” It’s a very well-structured organization. When I see a plan over a period of years and the sequential activities planned over those years, I recognize that there is a very competent and disciplined staff behind it. I could spend a lot of time writing telling about all that I’ve observed here. And if I dig around, I know I’ll find many more pleasant surprises!”
With so many new situations and experiences here in Manitoba, Mr. Koy is grateful for the training he’s had as a volunteer. “I have a better understanding of how to behave here at Actionmarguerite, but elsewhere too,” he continues. “This is a way for me to integrate into society, to better understand the healthcare system, to know how to interact with staff members or residents, for example.”
Indeed, it’s the residents who are most supportive of Koy’s learning process. “Although I participate in special events, I also create them myself,” he says with a smile. “I call it a round table! We get together, either me and a resident, or a small group. It’s like a little focus group; we tease each other, we tell stories. It’s where I learn the most about life in Manitoba.”
The residents’ wisdom and experiences are passed on freely, even if a little interpretation is required. “Sometimes dementia can make things a bit confusing,” admits Koy. “But it’s important to talk to residents, to show them that they are loved, to respect their experiences and value their knowledge.”