Chair of Chilliwack volunteer committee shares the impact of community effort

This National Volunteer Week, we join organizations across Canada to applaud the volunteers who enable us to organize events and provide support to people affected by dementia. From April 25-30, read stories shared by volunteers, Society staff and clients that celebrate the positive impact volunteers have on our communities.

In 2007, Deb Angell visited her parents in Kamloops after her mother experienced a significant stroke. Upon arrival, she discovered that her father had also been diagnosed with frontal temporal and vascular dementia. In the blink of an eye, Deb and her husband Ron Angell became caregivers with limited knowledge of what the role entailed.

Ron and Deb invited her parents to join them in Chilliwack where they began their dementia journey together. They began attending caregiver support group sessions, marking their first connection to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

Soon after, Ron and Deb became volunteer caregiver support group facilitators. “After going through that struggle, we decided to use our experience to support others in their time of need,” Deb says. The Angells have diligently volunteered as support group facilitators for the last 13 years.

Ron is also a valued member of the Chilliwack IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s volunteer committee and has served as the chair for nearly 14 years with Deb’s support.

Every year, Walk chairs begin planning the fundraising event seven months in advance. They dedicate evenings and weekends towards organizing the big day for their community, an exhaustive and rewarding process that Ron and Deb still enjoy after all these years. “There is always a comforting sigh of relief when everything comes together and we get to see our community happy,” Ron says. “It feels like a big party that brings us together and shows what we can do when we all get involved,” Deb adds.

“In Chilliwack, we always treat the Walk as a celebration,” Ron says. The Chilliwack volunteer committee loves planning fun activities – like raffles and face painting – for the fundraiser. “There is even a big cake we bring out at the end for everyone to share,” Deb adds.

The Chilliwack committee also invites ambassadors from other groups to share how they can offer support to older people, including people affected by dementia.

“If you’re looking for an opportunity to help others while bringing joy to your life, then volunteering is perfect for you,” Deb says. “At the Society, it takes on a whole new meaning. Being able to give back to people through a community that has helped you is extremely rewarding.” Ron adds, “And we are happy to be here for the people who need support navigating new changes.”

The Angells believe it is valuable to get everyone in their community involved, whether to encourage others to volunteer or simply learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. “It’s important to get involved,” Ron says. “There is so much we can do for others as a community if we all pitch in a little.”