The Volunteer of the Month for June 2022 is Harvey Brisard! Heart2Heart is grateful for Harvey’s willingness to jump in and help when needed.
Remarkably, Harvey didn’t initially expect to become a volunteer with Heart2Heart. His teenage daughter, Maria, was the one who initially discovered the opportunities at Heart2Heart through a Google search.
“She’s really the reason I got started,” Harve explained. “Since I got involved, it’s been very rewarding.”
Maria, 17, plans to study medicine, and specifically geriatric care. However, she wanted a chance to serve the senior population right away
As Maria went through the process of becoming a volunteer as a minor late last year, Heart2Heart staff connected with her father. Harvey realized that since he would be driving Maria to the volunteer opportunities, he could serve alongside his daughter.
Today, he’s glad he jumped at the opportunity.
“It’s an awesome feeling when you get to help someone and make their day and put a smile on their face,” he said.
Harvey and Maria first got involved at Heart2Heart Events at care centers. They helped residents paint blocks that were later donated to local foster kids.They pampered residents with manicures during spa days.
“We got to meet the folks, enjoy the activity and have conversations with them,” Harvey explained. “Some of them don’t have any family who live close by. You become very familiar with them. They’re so happy to see you, like you were one of their own.”
Harvey said he’s enjoyed watching his daughter thrive in her element.
“She loves helping out and being around the seniors,” he said, adding with a laugh: “She’s a lot more talkative and engaging than I am.”
Harvey also has helped out during Heart2Heart’s deliveries during special holidays, dropping off care packages and cards to care centers and individual homes across South Florida.
Recently, he began making weekly deliveries as part of Heart2Heart’s Food for Hope program. Harvey picks up the meals from a store in Weston, through Heart2Heart’s partnership with the Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation. He delivers the meals to two homes: a couple in Fort Lauderdale and a woman living on her own in Coconut Creek.
“Some days, the weather’s not very good,” Harvey said. “But I don’t mind. I make sure I stay dry and bring a poncho.”
When he’s not volunteering, Harvey works for an IT company. He’s also a DJ, specializing in Latin and Caribbean music at small gatherings and the occasional wedding.
“I got into DJing in college in the late 90s, right when vinyls were getting phased out,” he explained. “I just love the atmosphere: people dancing and having a good time.”
Heart2Heart thanks Harvey for his help enhancing the atmosphere for seniors across South Florida!
