“What started with a phone call, has grown into a warm connection”

Photo: Jackie Mulder

Interview with Sonia Dias Pinto and Christian de Bruijn

Christian de Bruijn (30) is a freelance journalist and copywriter. He finds the stories of other people, especially those outside his own bubble, extremely interesting. Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, he has been a phone buddy for Sonia Dias Pinto.

How did you become a phone buddy of Sonia Dias Pinto?“A friend of mine is friends with the coordinator at Dynamo, who matches volunteers with people in need of contact. She said: this is really something for you. Phone buddy during corona time, a period that would be difficult for many people. I was immediately enthusiastic. And because I was struggling with a burnout myself, the sense of purpose was extra welcome.”Why is this really something for you?“I am blessed with a 94-year-old grandmother whom I visit, call, or send a card to regularly. She is incredibly dear to me. A beacon of calm, content with so little, happy with the small group of people around her. I realize how important contact is for people whose world is getting smaller.”What was it like to make a phone call for the first time?“It was quite exciting. But then I thought: just ask the questions you always ask grandma. At first, she didn’t understand who I was, but soon we felt a connection. After a while, I started telling her more about myself. When I said I was a journalist, Sonia started laughing and said, ‘Ah, now I understand why you are so curious.'”What do you think of Sonia?“Such an energetic and positive woman. Truly an example of how to get through a difficult period. Moreover, we don’t just talk about trivial matters, from our own past to Brazilian politics, everything comes up.”What do you gain from this contact?“Positive energy, cheerfulness, and satisfaction. Sonia is a delightful chatterbox who is also interested in others. And she is very thoughtful. I received a card from her when I had moved, and recently I got a book about gardening, a hobby we happen to share. What started with a phone call has turned into a warm connection.”Sonia Dias Pinto (77) has been volunteering at the d’Oude Raai residential care center since 1989. As the longest-serving volunteer, she assists with breakfast, coffee, and lunch. Due to the pandemic, all of this is currently on hold, as well as the gymnastics club and swimming club. Through the Rijn58 neighborhood center, she was able to get a phone buddy in March at the beginning of the lockdown.

How did you feel about being called by someone you don’t know?“Very cozy. I hadn’t left the house for three weeks, two neighbors did the groceries. Everything had stopped. We got along well. We ask each other how we are doing and what we are up to. For example, I mention that I am knitting and what I have been reading.”

“The conversations with Chris are very welcome”

Buddies at Dynamo

During the corona period, many people feel the need for contact, but a lot of group activities are no longer possible. One-on-one contact is still an option. Dynamo offers various buddy programs: with lonely elderly people, asylum seekers and refugees, caregivers, and neighbors who would like to have more contact. All of this is done at a safe distance but with direct contact. We would like to make a difference together with you for residents in the neighborhood who need it!Want to become a buddy? Check outwww.vca.nu/gappie