Volunteer

Why volunteer?

"Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mould the present into a future of which we can be proud." - Helen Dyer

The number of Ontarians with dementia is expected to increase by 40% in the next decade. The human cost and the costs to our health-care system will be enormous. We really could not do what we do to support people with dementia, and raise money to find a cure, without volunteers. We value your experience, your input, your enthusiasm and the opportunity to work with you.

We want to thank all the dedicated volunteers who help to support the families, clients, and services of the Alzheimer Society Peel. We are so fortunate to be working alongside such dedicated people from our community.

Benefits of volunteering

Volunteers are people like you who want to make a difference in their community. When you become an Alzheimer Society volunteer you have a chance to:

• Help make life better for those living with dementia
• Help improve the quality of community life
• Support a cause that you believe in
• Work with other members of the team to achieve a specific goal

Volunteering also helps you make a difference in your own life.

You can:

• Use your professional skills in a new setting
• Meet other people who share your interests and passions
• Learn new skills and discover new talents
• Advance your career or gain experience and qualifications for future employment, scholarships, bursaries and academic programs
• Build your network and establish contacts in your field of interest
• Boost your health and reduce your stress
• Create a schedule that works for you
• Have fun!

Volunteering roles

Day Program volunteer

Share your time with members at one of our Day Program locations. Volunteers assist the Day Program staff with various activities happening within the Centre, such as arts and crafts, discussion groups, exercise groups, music, gardening, and more. Having a second language is an asset. Must be over the age of 18 and be able to commit to 1-3 hours per week. Let us know of any unique talents you have that you'd be interested in sharing with members (piano/guitar playing, painting, etc).

• Availability: various weekdays, 9am - 4pm
• Age minimum: 18+

Nora's House volunteer

Share your time with members at Nora's House.

• Availability: seasonal
• Age minimum: 18+
• Positions available: none currently

Education volunteer

Help spread the word! Throughout the year Alzheimer Society Peel participates in a variety of health and information events in the community. Public education sessions are held several times a month at our locations.

• Availability: various opportunities on set dates; inquire for more information.
• Age minimum: 18+ 

Office volunteer

Strengthen existing skills or build new ones. This role can include administrative, computer, communication, and organizational tasks.

• Availability: daytime
• Frequency: various periods throughout the year
• Age minimum: 18+

Event volunteer

Be part of the action implementing special events, such as our Walk for Alzheimer's and our Dementia Care Day conference, or by helping out on the day of the event.

• Frequency: TBD

Community outreach/delivery volunteer

• Frequency: various times throughout the year
• Tasks: includes poster distribution, delivering memorial cards to funeral homes, etc.

Newsletter/media volunteer

• Frequency: various times throughout the year
• Tasks: include writing short articles, interviewing individuals, creating concepts, meeting with staff

Group Volunteering

Does your workplace encourage volunteering in the community? We do too! We can have groups of up to 12 (or more, but not at the same location) come in and assist with various activities, such as:

• gardening / outdoor cleanup
• crafts / seasonal activities with our Day Program Members
• large projects (room painting, wallpapering, etc)
• event preparation / special projects

Please contact the Volunteer and Events Team for a Group Volunteering Application Form and to discuss opportunities that would be right for your group.

To learn more about various opportunities or to meet with our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss what is right for you, please

• Email: volunteer@alzheimerpeel.com
• Call: 905-278-3667 x 213

Volunteer application form

If you would like to apply to become an approved volunteer, please fill out our volunteer application form!

Depending on your role, the volunteer hiring process may also involve:

• attending a "meet and greet" interview where confidentiality and emergency response forms are signed
• obtaining a Vulnerable Persons Police Records Check
• attending a dementia education session
• passing a reference check
• taking part in a full site tour/orientation
• reviewing all society-wide policies and procedures