NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
Volunteer Judy Pisoni poses for a photo as she loads up her car with books that she will take to a retirement home. She makes the trip on the first Thursday of every month, and has been doing so for nearly 24 years.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com @MHNmocranker
As we grow older in life, we have to start relying on others to take care of us, and do certain things for us.
For the elderly with a passion for reading, but cannot make it to and from the public library due to their health, Judy Pisoni is on the case.
For nearly 24 years Pisoni has been taking boxes upon boxes of books to the elderly at the Cypress View Foundation, which she now does on the first Thursday of every month. She says once she started, she could not stop.
“I’ve been doing this for almost as long as I’ve been in Medicine Hat and I’ve really become attached to the people,” she said.
After joining a sorority, Pisoni started helping occasionally with the program, before taking it on, on a month-to-month basis, and says she has always had a knack for helping seniors.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for the elderly, ever since I was little,” she said. “When I was young I would help older ladies clean up their places, and I just guess I really like helping the elderly.”
Although there’s many things Pisoni loves about this position, she says the interaction with people is what tops her list.
“I would have to say the hugs are my favourite part, as well as just talking to everyone there” she said. “When I get to the home, everyone is just so happy I’m there — it’s all beaming faces, and I really love the appreciation they have for me being there, and for the books they get to read.”
With Pisoni turning 63 this year, she says there is no end to her involvement in this program in sight.
“I don’t plan on stopping doing this,” she said. “I really don’t see myself choosing to stop, if I’m unable to continue doing it then so be it, maybe someone else will be bringing me books one day, who knows?”
