I was matched with J in early 2023 and we had our first outing in the March.
I was quite nervous before taking J out for the first time, and even though I felt very excited to be a part of such a wonderful Project and was honoured to be able to spend time with a such a special young person, it was also quite daunting!
After our first outing to a bowling alley, I felt absolutely sure that this was the start of a great friendship between J and myself.
Since March 2023, we have gotten to know each other quite well and we both look forward to our outings, which tend to take place every couple of weeks. Some of our favourite places to go together include Laser Quest, the cinema, bowling, swimming and local parks where J loves to play in the play area. We have been to zoos, farms, museums, just about anywhere!
My experience with J and The Friendship Project has been just amazing and I have honestly loved every outing that we have been on together. I’ve had more fun in the past year than I’ve had in a long time. Who would have thought that running around Laser Quest (our favourite activity) would be so appealing to somebody in their late 20’s! Now, I can’t wait until the next time we go.
It has been a privilege to spend the last year getting to know J, and I think my chattiness is wearing off on him as he has come a long way from the quiet, shy young man who I met in the school office last year.
The community of volunteers and Area Coordinators at The Friendship Project are incredible people who have made me feel so welcomed and appreciated, it has truly been a pleasure from day one. Thank you to The Friendship Project for the amazing work that you do and for letting me be a part of it, I so look forward to the future of my friendship with J, I feel we have many years of fun and new experiences ahead of us!
