Since 1971, Tel-Aide has responded to more than two million calls in Greater Montreal.

We have many seniors who call because they are lonely and isolated. Many of their friends are no longer here and often their families are too busy for them or there is a family rift. We listen to their reminiscences, their concerns and anything else they wish to talk about.

We also have calls from people who have mental illness, are lonely and/or isolated from society, dealing with poverty or are in crisis.

Tel-Aide receives 30,000 calls a year. As a volunteer listener, I am aware of callers’ appreciation because they have someone there to listen to them.

With 150 volunteer listeners, Tel-Aide provides service in English and French, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is free, confidential and anonymous.

Tel-Aide has been subject to recent austerity reductions: government, corporate and foundation support, as well as donations, have not kept up with costs. Tel-Aide is now facing its own crisis, having fallen $50,000 short of its $250,000 budget.

Tel-Aide needs support and contributions from individuals, the community and socially-minded companies. An urgent fundraising campaign has been launched so we can continue into the 45th year of service to Greater Montreal.

Help Tel-Aide to help the ever-growing number of people in our community who need someone to listen to them!

— M. Bernstein, Montreal