Almost a decade ago, David joined ABLE2’s Matching Program hoping to expand his social circle and build connections in the community. Living with Asperger’s syndrome, he describes himself as a naturally social person, but he was looking for someone he could spend time with, learn from, and trust.
“I was looking for someone to confide in,” David says. “Someone who could be like a compass in life.”
Ryan discovered ABLE2 while searching for volunteer opportunities in the community. He was immediately drawn to the simplicity of the idea behind the Matching Program. Working in data and statistics, he knew that people with disabilities often have smaller social networks and fewer opportunities for connection. Ryan decided that he wanted to help change that and be one more person in someone’s circle. “It’s such a simple idea,” Ryan explains. “You spend time together, share experiences, and get to know each other.”
Like many new matches, both arrived at their first meeting feeling a little nervous. “I was hoping David would like me,” Ryan recalls. “I was hoping our friendship would prosper and that we would hit it off.”
Fortunately, there was little to worry about. David’s warmth and natural ability to connect with people quickly put Ryan at ease. “David will walk into a room and immediately look to make friendships,” Ryan says. “That’s just his nature.” One of David’s favourite sayings is, “Make as many friends as you can,” and it’s something he lives by every day. He’s friends with the servers at the restaurants, staff at the movie theatre, or even at the barber shop he frequents. Ryan has come to admire that quality in his friend.
Ryan and David at their Match anniversary celebration with family and friends
Before long, they were exploring Ottawa together, trying new activities and creating traditions of their own. They have gone to hockey games, played pool, went swimming, watched theatre productions, and shared countless meals and conversations along the way. Ryan laughs that David is an encyclopedia of television and movie knowledge. “David introduced me to a lot of things that I might not have done before,” he says.
Nearly eight years later, what began as a match between an Ally and a Friend, became something so much more meaningful. “I hesitate to even call it a volunteer role at this point,” says Ryan.
Their friendship has grown into something that feels like family. David has been welcomed into Ryan’s family gatherings and celebrations, while Ryan has shared important moments with David and his loved ones. One year, when David was hospitalized on the same birthday Ryan shared with David’s mother, Ryan and the family brought the celebration to David’s hospital room instead.
Over time, they have stood beside one another through some of life’s hardest moments. When Ryan’s mother underwent cancer treatment, David offered steadfast support. Later, when David’s mother faced her own battle with cancer, Ryan was there for them in return. Their friendship deepened through those experiences, proving that showing up for someone can matter more than words ever could.
One of the moments Ryan treasures most was when David asked to join him on a Pride Parade float. Early in their friendship, Ryan admits he was unsure how David might respond to him being openly gay. Those worries quickly disappeared when David embraced Ryan’s identity wholeheartedly, an enthusiastically volunteered to take part in the Pride festivities. For David, acceptance has always been simple. “True love is what you feel in your mind and in your heart,” he shares. That experience was unforgettable for Ryan, and says, “David showing up for me in that way was really special.”
Ryan bringing the party to David’s hospital room.
Finally, when asked what someone might gain from joining ABLE2’s Matching Program, David doesn’t hesitate. “They’ll get lifelong friendships that are like family,” he says.
Ryan agrees. When he first joined the program, he remembers meeting matches who had been together for 10, 20, and even 30 years. At the time, those friendships felt almost impossible to imagine.
“Now that we’re coming up on eight years, it doesn’t seem unattainable at all,” he says. “It feels natural. You spend time together, support each other through life, and before you know it, this person becomes an important part of your world.”
What has stayed with Ryan most is the community behind the program. “Everyone I’ve met through ABLE2 believes deeply in inclusion, advocacy, and connection,” he says. “To know that our friendship is one small part of that bigger mission is really special.”
David offers a final piece of advice for anyone considering volunteering:
“Don’t be afraid to try new experiences,” he says. “You’d be surprised what can happen when you open your mind.”
Looking back, neither David nor Ryan could have predicted where that first meeting would lead. What began as a match became a friendship. That friendship became a support system. And over the years, it became family. Their story is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful relationships start with a simple introduction and a willingness to say yes.
For over 50 years, ABLE2’s Matching Program has been creating one-on-one intentional friendships like David and Ryan’s—connections that reduce isolation, foster belonging, and create lasting impact.
Your support makes friendships like theirs possible. By donating, volunteering, or sharing the word about ABLE2’s work, you help ensure that more people with disabilities find lifelong friendships, acceptance, and community.
Learn more about how you can support this work here.