The International Federation Around The World
The International Federation Around The World
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The International Federation Around The World
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France:
United States:
Quebec, Canada:
Mexico:
Spain:
The Spanish member of the International Federation opened in Barcelona in 1987 under the Catalan name Amics de la Gent Gran. A large group of enthusiastic volunteers visits their elderly friends and arranges activities such as Christmas and Springtime parties, outings and summer holidays.
Germany:
Ireland:
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Les petits frères des Pauvres (
Founded
in France over 60 years ago, it is naturally in that country that the Federation's
activities are most extensively developed. There are presently eleven petits
frères centers of activity: six in Paris and its suburbs, and one
each in Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Toulouse and Lille. In over thirty other
cities and towns across the country, groups of locally-organized volunteers,
In
1959, les petits frères came to Chicago. Little Brothers - Friends
of the Elderly now exists as well in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Boston, San
Francisco, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Hancock, Michigan where the organization
has undertaken an experimental operation in a rural and very isolated region.
Through Little Brothers, literally thousands of American volunteers visit
and tend to isolated elderly persons throughout the year, but especially
on holidays _ Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Easter _
and at vacation time. 
Founded
in Montreal in 1962, today les petits frères is also present in
Quebec City and Sherbrooke. Volunteers from les petits frères work
hard to help combat the isolation that is part of difficult northern winters.
With the first warmth of late winter, a major annual event is the tapping
of the sugar maples, and the elderly, like many younger people, look forward
to a "sugar party", making snow cones topped with fresh maple
syrup. The acquisition of a large chalet in a forest above a lake overlooking
Montreal makes it possible for les petits frères to bring their
isolated elderly friends for vacation holidays where they can enjoy long
summer evenings watching sunsets over the lake or chase the winter cold
in front of a blazing fire in the hearth. 
Los Hermanos del Anciano began working Acapulco in 1981. Why Acapulco?
Because spread out before the beach-front facade of internationally renowned
luxury hotels lives a city of two million people, many of whom, and particularly
the elderly, have been totally bypassed by the tourist-trade wealth. High
up on the mountain overlooking the famous bay, in tiny shacks with no water
or electricity, Los Hermanos del Anciano volunteers come to call on their
elderly friends, bringing them food, water, clothing and, most importantly,
friendship. Since medical care is out of the reach of these people, who
have never heard of health insurance even if they could afford it, a young
doctor works alongside Los Hermanos del Anciano, providing care in the
homes of the elderly, receiving them in a special clinic set up at Los
Hermanos headquarters, arranging, when necessary, for surgery by other
volunteer doctors. 
The
newest branch of the International Federation was opened in Berlin in 1991,
shortly after the reunion of East and West Berlin and of course East and
West Germany. The work of the German organization is based on the enthusiasm
and commitment of volunteers. It is already an integral part of Berlin's
network of social service agencies.
Freunde alter Menschen
fulfills the most cherished dreams for elderly people. They organize Christmas
and Easter holiday parties, lunches and opportunities to talk on the telephone.
Freunde alter Menschen has successfully implemented a summer day trip program
that complements the summer vacation holiday. This program gives the elderly
who are physically unable to spend a week away from home the chance to
get out of Berlin for a day and enjoy the surrounding area. 
Founded
in Dublin in 1980 as "Friends of the Elderly", this organization
is both youthful and dynamic. St. Patrick's Day, of course, is the occasion
for real Irish celebration, and summer holidays at the seaside are anticipated
for months in advance. Recently a group of Irish elderly was brought to
France for two weeks on holiday. One of the old men, in his nineties, recalled
he had already been to France, briefly, at the end of World War I, when
he "marched down a broad avenue and the girls all waved their handkerchiefs".
His return to the Champs Elysees, seventy years later, was a memorable
experience, for him and for all those able to live it with him.
With
the support of hundreds of volunteers that take part in visiting the elderly
in their homes or organizing music teams to
provide entertainment and fellowship in long term health care facilities,
Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly are able to reach out to the elderly of Dublin.