Budding Companions: Students Provide Virtual Companionship for Senior Citizens

Budding Companions was founded by Fremd High School students with the goal of promoting positivity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization has been recruiting student volunteers to provide virtual companionship and entertainment for senior citizens, who have been unable to see their loved ones in person during these difficult times.

Virtual activities have included games (such as Pictionary and Guess the Song), musical performances, and conversations. In one session, Budding Companions invited several choir members to sing "Happy Birthday" to a resident. In other sessions, volunteers and residents have exchanged childhood memories, travel experiences, and other topics of interest. Thanks to the power of virtual interaction, volunteers have also been able to share unique footage, including live art and livestreams of San Diego Zoo animals. Through Zoom, Budding Companions has allowed students to connect with seniors across various regions in Illinois and cheer up residents after months of social distancing. Currently, Budding Companions is hoping to reach out to more nursing homes and senior centers.

Budding Companions is proud to collaborate with:

• Arcola Health Care Center

• Covenant Home of Chicago

• Highland Oaks

• Hillcrest Home

• La Salle County Nursing Home

• Park Ridge Care Center

• The Garlands of Barrington (Assisted Living)

• The Garlands of Barrington (Independent Living)

• The Reserve at Arlington Heights

• The Villas Senior Care Community

New nursing homes and senior centers are always welcome!

For more information and visuals, feel free to visit their website: https://buddingcompanions.wixsite.com/website

Instagram: @buddingcompanions

Facebook: @buddingcompanions

Twitter: @BudCompanions

For business inquiries, please contact Budding Companions at: buddingcompanions@gmail.com