You’re never too young to volunteer. At least, that’s what I discovered when my three month old Ellie and I participated for our first time in the “Babies Who Volunteer” program. It’s a local nonprofit organization that partners with 50 care homes across all of Ottawa – giving moms, dads, caregivers and their children a chance to give back by connecting with seniors in the community.

The intergenerational programs are offered at care homes in all ends of Ottawa as well as a couple homes in Kingston. There are ‘Baby Days’ almost everyday, sometimes even multiple offered on the same day in different areas of town. To participate it is as easy as visiting the website or Facebook page and checking out what dates and locations are available, and signing up for the one you would like to participate in. Babies and children of any age are welcome.

Ellie and I signed up for a care home not far from our house. I was excited, but maybe a little nervous too, as I really didn’t know what to expect. I did my best to get Ellie there in a good mood (feeding her and letting her have a little snooze before), but I wasn’t sure how she would react around a bunch of strangers.

We were the first ones to arrive. We walked into a room with 18 seniors sitting around in a circle anxiously awaiting our arrival. I wasn’t really sure what to do, so I walked around introducing Ellie to them one by one and wishing them all a “good morning”. Before long, we were joined by five other mothers and their children, some babies and a few toddlers as well. It was really lovely to have the mix of ages as the toddlers walked around, danced and did a wonderful job of entertaining, while the babies offered up many smiles (and a few tears) to all the adoring onlookers.

Staff at the care home brought out a bag of toys and instruments that kept the toddlers busy and a blanket for the babies. In the end it was as if the moms and babies conducted a play group while the seniors joined in from the sides. You could tell that the residents had really been looking forward to this visit. One kind woman had even arrived with a few coins so the babies could all “start their bank accounts”. Our time there passed quickly and as we left everyone in the room had huge smiles on their faces.

I highly recommend trying ‘Babies Who Volunteer’ with your children. If you are feeling a little shy or intimidated, maybe think of bringing along a friend and go as buddies for your first time. I’m not sure if all the care homes have toys or blankets available but it might be idea to bring some along to have on hand. One of the moms in our group even got some Wiggles music going from her phone so that the children could dance along to it. So frickin cute.

This program is a wonderful and unique way of meeting other parents in the community while sharing joy with seniors who would not get to interact with little ones on a frequent basis. It is never too early to teach our children about the importance of giving back and extending empathy to those who need it most.