This man will listen to you talk about anything, and he won’t charge a dime

Paul Jenkinson, a retired social worker from Nova Scotia, is on a mission to provide a listening ear to those in need across Canada. Armed with just two chairs, a folding table, and a sandwich board that reads “You are not alone. I will listen,” Jenkinson is embarking on a cross-country listening tour to create a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and stories.

At 70 years old, Jenkinson brings a wealth of life experiences to the table, including overcoming physical pain, going through a divorce, and coping with the sudden loss of his daughter. Despite his own challenges, he believes that everyone is the expert of their own situation and simply needs a space to talk.

Setting up in public spaces, Jenkinson initially faces wariness from passersby. However, as people muster up the courage to sit down and chat, Jenkinson finds himself engaged in conversations about a wide range of topics. From students to individuals in recovery, Jenkinson listens to stories of resilience, community involvement, and personal struggles.

One of the key aspects of Jenkinson’s listening tour is confidentiality. He assures individuals that their conversations will remain private unless there is a risk of harm. With no time limit on discussions and no off-limits topics, Jenkinson provides a non-judgmental space for people to open up.

Currently traveling through Nova Scotia with plans to visit P.E.I. and eventually make his way to British Columbia, Jenkinson is open to invitations and accommodations along the way. While he accepts donations to cover travel expenses, his primary goal is to offer his skills and support to those in need.

As Jenkinson navigates his circuitous route, he embodies the spirit of volunteering and giving back to the community. With a million hours of volunteering done in Canada regularly, Jenkinson sees himself as just one of many individuals making a difference through acts of kindness and compassion.