Volunteer

Volunteering opportunities

You can make a difference in the lives of people affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias by volunteering with the Alzheimer Society of York Region.

By volunteering with the Alzheimer Society of York Region, you have the 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

Here are just a few ways you can help:

• Program – Offer your time in one of our D.A.Y. programs
• Fundraising – Help out with events. Contact Karen Bond, Fund Development Team Lead, at 905-726-3477 or email [email protected]
• Leadership - Volunteer as a member of a board or committee
• Write letters or emails to different levels of government
• Meet with local politicians to help achieve public policy goals
• Participate in public forums, meetings or events

Board of Directors

Do you have a passion for affecting change in your local community? Do you have a passion for helping the 17,000 York Region residents currently diagnosed with dementia, a number that is expected to more than double by 2033?

The Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York) has been a leader in actively supporting individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias since 1985.

AS York offers programs and maintains offices across the York Region and has a proven track record of working collaboratively and in partnership with other healthcare providers to service the needs of families and individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

AS York is governed by a 12 member board of directors, elected by the membership at the annual general meeting.

Individuals who are nominated and agree to stand for membership will be committing for two years. They will also commit to attending monthly board meetings, join a board committee and participate at AS York events.

For details, email [email protected]

Benefits of volunteering

Do your brain a favour - volunteer!

There are many reasons for volunteering.

• Give back to your community
• Develop a new skill
• Expand your social network

But have you considered the health benefits of volunteering? Keeping your brain in shape is another important reason for volunteering, and a healthy brain is vital for healthy aging.

Volunteering not only engages your mind and body, but it can actually help you age well and reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Healthy reasons to volunteer

• Improve your physical and mental well-being
• Meeting new people and engaging in activity can boost oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine and endorphin, the “feel good” neurochemicals that reduce stress, anxiety and improve your immune system.
• Build self-esteem and confidence
• The satisfaction of knowing you've made a positive difference in someone's life increases your own self- worth and confidence. If you're experiencing difficult times, volunteering has the extra advantage of giving you a sense of purpose.
• Expand your network of social support
• Connecting with new people in different settings helps open your mind to new perspectives, widens your social network and reduces depression and isolation.
• Live longer and healthier
• Staying engaged and curious about your world helps keep you young at heart and feeling vibrant. The bottom line is that life-long learning is key for improving the quality of life and for healthy aging.
• Volunteering is easy. Consider your own interests and skills, then think of who might benefit. It could be as easy as tutoring young people in a subject you enjoy, lending a hand at your community theatre, or joining a board at a local group or charity.
• Whatever you do, start early. The sooner you start volunteering, the greater the benefits you'll reap later on in life.