Volunteer

Benefits of Volunteering

• Improve your quality of life

Whether it’s to help those with dementia, their caregivers or families, you can make a difference in your community.

• Share your knowledge

We are always looking to our volunteers for new ideas, insights and experiences.

• Be a source of support

Whether its through raising money, awareness or helping to deliver programs at your local Society, volunteering supports individuals with dementia and their families.

• Learn new skills

Gain practical experience and advance your career

• Become engaged in your community

By volunteering, you will have the chance to meet new people, connect with your community and make memories to last a lifetime.

• Have fun!

Volunteering is a great way make a difference while having fun in the process!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers give us the spirit, means and energy that keep us going. We strive to find the best match for your interests and expertise and to provide meaningful participation in a volunteer friendly workplace.

Volunteer opportunities at the Alzheimer Society:

In-Home Recreation Therapy program (description of role pdf)

In-home recreation therapy provides an opportunity for people living with dementia to participate in a range of activities that are stimulating, therapeutic, and socially engaging in the comfort of their own homes. Each weekly visit will involve activities with a specifically trained volunteer that will address social, physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, or vocational domains of wellness based upon the needs of the individual living with dementia. This position is currently available.

In-Office Respite program (description of role pdf)

In-office respite provides an opportunity to allow care partners to attend our programs and services by providing one-on-one support to their person living with dementia in a recreational setting. Our trained volunteers will engage the person living with dementia in meaningful activities while providing companionship and social support all while their care partner is attending Alzheimer Society education programs or support groups.

If you are interested in setting up In-Office Respite while you attend our programs and services, please contact your Family Support Counsellor or speak with our Intake Coordinator at 705-748-5131

If you are interested in becoming In-Office Respite Volunteer and making a difference in the life of an individual living with dementia, contact Maddy Scott, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at 705-748-5131 ex. 230 or volunteer@alzheimerjourney.ca

Minds in Motion (description of role pdf)

is a community-based social program that incorporates physical activity and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stage signs of dementia and their care partners. Volunteers get involved in the exercises, serve refreshments and participate in cognitive activities.

The time commitment for this opportunity is 8 weeks, minimum 2 .5 hours each week. Please reach out to Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to see available locations.

Fundraising Events (description of role pdf)

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton produces several fundraising events each year to raise funds to directly support the programs and services we offer within our four counties to those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.  Volunteers play a vital role in many of these events and assist with everything from planning to helping to promote the events, to assisting with the operations on event day.

Our main fundraising initiative is our annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

Board of Directors (description of role pdf)

Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of individuals dedicated to ensuring the delivery of our mission. They are entrusted with providing strategic oversight of the organization and are accountable to the general public. We are always seeking nominees for the Board whose maturity, expertise and wisdom will contribute significantly to the effective governance of the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, and who are willing and able to volunteer their expertise, time, energy and resources.

Volunteer Application Form

If you have questions about the application process contact the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Maddy Scott at volunteer@alzheimerjourney.ca

Orientation

All new volunteers are asked to complete online Orientation which will help them to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. Volunteers can log onto the website at their convenience to participate in the interactive videos.

All private and not-for-profit organizations in Ontario must ensure that their employees and all of their volunteers complete accessibility training following the Accessible Customer Service Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA).

Every volunteer is asked to complete the “interactive training video that shares the fundamental principles of accessibility and gives the tools that they can use to interact with and support people with disabilities.”

The website links for both the dementia courses and the AODA courses will be provided at the time of the interview.

Training

Volunteers can expect to receive initial and ongoing training in their chosen role. Supervising staff support the individual needs of the volunteer on an ongoing basis.

Interested in Volunteering? 

Our application process involves:

• Submitting a completed application form.
• Submitting two (2) references. A reference may not be a family member.
• Participating in an interview. 
• We will contact you to arrange an Interview.
• Email: volunteer@alzheimerjourney.ca
• If you have questions, call 705-748-5131 ext. 230
• Some volunteer roles require a Vulnerable Sector Check. You will be advised if a Vulnerable Sector Check is required.

Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support of our Volunteer program, through their support we have been able to grow and adapt our program to meet the needs of our community.