A New York City program that pairs volunteers with homebound Holocaust survivors is expanding its operations with the establishment of a center in Montreal.

According to Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Tzvi and Sheva Tauby, directors of iVolunteer, the new branch will build a network of local volunteers who will provide socialization and assistance with daily tasks.

The new branch, a division of the Montreal Torah Center, will be staffed by Rabbi Shmuel and Leah Uhlman.

“We are very excited to open another branch of iVolunteer,” said Tzvi Tauby, who opened the program almost one year ago. “In some cases, our program is the only connection our seniors have to the outside world.”

In New York, Sheva Tauby visits each of the 100 seniors served by the program every week.

“The main thing is to make contact and develop a relationship,” she said. “We let them know that we care about them and are here to help them.”

In addition to providing assistance with shopping and other tasks, iVolunteer volunteers read to survivors, accompany them on walks and escort them to doctor visits. The program runs social events and Shabbat dinners, as well.

Its first volunteer appreciation dinner will be held in September.