People of Perley - Fraser Mahar

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Fraser Maher and his wife, Grace, arrive at Perley Health with the same quiet sense of purpose. They know where they're going, they know who they'll see, and they know they will leave feeling better than when they arrived. 

Fraser began volunteering in January 2025, providing meal assistance at the Rideau Veterans Residence and working alongside residents and staff in the woodworking studio. The role is a natural fit for Fraser. Both he and his wife are retired nurses and service has been a part of their lives for a long time. 

“We can't get away from nursing,” laughs Fraser. “That's what we like to do.” 

Before his retirement, Fraser served in the Canadian Armed Forces, followed by civilian and government nursing roles. His career took him far from home, and included two deployments to Bosnia and a tour in Afghanistan with a foreign surgical unit. The experience shaped not just his professional life, but how he connects with the Veterans he now supports. It opens a door that may not have been there otherwise.

When he introduces himself to residents and tenants, he keeps it simple: “Point blank, Mr. Smith? My name's Fraser. I'm a military veteran and I'm here to assist you.” The conversations flow naturally. Memories return and stories are shared. Common language and experience create an instant connection. 

Fraser first learned about Perley through his son, Scott, who has been a volunteer since 2013. Scott, who has an intellectual disability, was inspired by his grandfather's service. Scott found his place at Perley through a support program and quickly formed friendships with residents he met.  

“He always came back with a buzz on his face from engaging with the residents,” says Fraser.  

For Fraser and his wife, volunteering felt like a natural step. What surprised him most about Perley was the atmosphere, which he found very different from “civilian institutions.” 

“I find coming in here, it was just a totally different atmosphere, which blew my wife and I away. Everybody is engaging, friendly. You walk down the corridors and everybody will say, ‘Hello, good day, how are you.'”

In the woodworking studio, Fraser helps residents reconnect with skills from their past, adapting tools and tasks so everyone can participate safely. 

“It's an opportunity for the residents to continue with something they have done in their past,” describes Fraser. “You give them every opportunity to do as much as they can within their limitations. They really enjoy it.”

Some of his most meaningful moments take place quietly, during assisted feedings. The connection is deeply personal and human. 

“Every day is a new day,” reflects Fraser. “Some don't remember me from the week earlier, but we carry on as if we've been old friends.”  

“It's rewarding, engaging with conversation and just hearing something about the time when they served.” 

For Fraser, volunteering is not something that's separate from his identity, it's an extension of it. 

“Once a nurse, always a nurse,” he says. 

And for anyone considering volunteering at Perley Health, his message is simple: “Come on over. Come on in and volunteer. It will change your life.”

In the woodworking studio, Fraser helps residents reconnect with skills from their past, adapting tools and tasks so everyone can participate safely. “It's an opportunity for the residents to continue with something they have done in their past,” describes Fraser. “You give them every opportunity to do as much as they can within their limitations. They really enjoy it.” Fraser Maher, Volunteer