Written by Lycia Rodrigues
In 2017, Solange and I connected about expanding our caregiver support in the Saanich Peninsula. We were thrilled to have her as our volunteer bringing expertise in creating meaningful support for caregivers. I was impressed with Solange’s determination to reach out to the local health care providers and make sure caregivers were aware about the new support groups and how to connect. She started two monthly groups with regular participants and thanks to Solange these caregivers created an enduring network of support.
When we started our Community of Practice for support group facilitators in BC, Solange was one of the key members. She traveled to the Lower Mainland with our FCBC staff and helped us to facilitate the first Community of Practice meeting. We had so much fun! Solange also supported our facilitator trainings on the West Shore, bringing insight and inspiring motivation to new facilitators. We also appreciate the video that Solange helped us to present at the Ambassador Program.
I am so grateful to have worked with Solange these past few years. She has inspired me with her kindness and calm manner. I will miss her so much. I am sure that she will continue bringing light to people’s lives in Quebec!
Here are the quotes from our FCBC team:
You have been a true gift for FCBC and family caregivers, bringing the wisdom gained by years of experience to make lives better. You have a special kindness in the way you approach everything, seeking to find the best of any situation. I am so thankful that you chose to share your time and talent with us, and we will all miss you terribly. Wishing you happiness in Quebec, with family, good food and snow! Cheers and hugs, Barbara MacLean
Solange – when you offered to help us with your many skills, we literally hit the volunteer jackpot 🙏 💓!! You contributed your expertise and insight to so many activities during your time with us – from helping with surveys, supporting our first Community of Practice meeting in Vancouver, representing FCBC at a Primary Care Network exhibit on the Peninsula, starting two caregiver support groups, and making a video about caregiving for our Caregiver Ambassador Program (to name some examples!). Thank you SO much – you will be much missed. Janet McLean
Sol . . . I have absolutely adored working with you multiple times over now! You are the light that keeps shining for so many people whose lives you touch. I feel super blessed that I am one of them. I wish you well on your next life journey— embrace this fresh adventure! Know that I am with you in spirit . . . and you are always in my heart. I love you, my dear friend. Await you at Christmas card season! 😉 SUPER BIG hug. Whitney McMillan
Thank you, Solange, for your kindness, thoughtfulness and commitment to working with family caregivers. I wish you all the best in your future and hope that you can come back and visit us on the west coast. Fiona MacLeod
When I first met Solange and then had the opportunity for small touchpoints during my time as the Education Lead, I always felt a sense of warmth and inclusivity from her. She will be greatly missed in Victoria and I send her many blessings as she enters a new chapter! Kate Landreth
Solange is smart, humble, warm-hearted, and a terrific team player. Ben Ziegler
I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with Solange. Her expertise and calm demeanour were so wonderful to work with. We assisted Lycia and Lacie with training and were easily able to work together to impart some of our experience in our groups. Solange was always willing to share ideas and help expand suggestions for group growth. I will miss her very much and hope she will be able facilitate some groups in Quebec but keep in touch with us. Bonnie Donavan
