"Our Volunteers Are Our Heart" Trillium Grant Helps Alzheimer Society Fund Its Volunteer Program
/During the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton’s (PKLNH) volunteer appreciation coffee morning, the organization reflects on the impact of a $199,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant to bolster its volunteer program on Thursday.
Alzhiemer Society staff, volunteers and MPP Dave Smith were on hand during volunteer appreciation coffee morning. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At the event, Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP got to hear the impact from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was granted in 2023.
“It's truly inspiring to see the incredible impact the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is making in our communities,” said Smith. “This grant from the Provincial Government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been instrumental in rebuilding and strengthening their vital volunteer program, a testament to the power of community support and dedicated individuals. Their work in directly supporting those living with dementia and their families is invaluable, and our government remains committed to supporting such critical initiatives that improve the quality of life for our seniors.”
Funds from the two-year grant were used to revitalize the group’s vital volunteer program, enhancing its support for seniors living with dementia and expanding all its programs and services.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support of our volunteer program, which has made a meaningful and lasting impact in our community,” said Jen Johnstone, Alzheimer Society executive director. “Like many organizations, the Alzheimer Society’s volunteer base was deeply affected by the pandemic. This grant enabled us to rebuild and revitalize our program from the ground up, creating a comprehensive onboarding and training process for new volunteers.”
The grant helped cover staffing costs, as well as communications and marketing, computer software, program supplies and some administrative costs.
“Today, these volunteers are making a difference across our Young Onset Day Programs, Minds in Motion® and our new In-Home Recreation initiative, which thoughtfully pairs individuals living with dementia with volunteers who share their interests,” said Johnstone. “Others are contributing their time and talents to administrative support, fundraising, and a wide range of community events. We are deeply appreciative of the commitment, compassion, and energy of our volunteers, whose contributions allow us to enhance our services and foster stronger, more connected communities.”
With 75 volunteers helping the Alzheimer’s Society, more help is always welcome, ranging from children and high school students to post-secondary students and adults of all ages who can lend a hand, according to Johnstone.
“Our volunteers are our heart,” explained Johnstone. “They helped build the organization that is our foundation, and our volunteers are such an incredible, caring, talented and committed group of people who come out on their own time, dedicate their skills, knowledge and often donate to us as well.”
Volunteer options can include:
In-Home Recreation: a weekly visit, spending time with someone living with dementia and being a friend
In-Office Respite: allowing care partners to attend education, Minds in Motion support: weekly sessions of one hour of exercise and one hour of socialization,
Fundraising Events: including the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, and Community Outreach: building awareness and fostering dementia-friendly communities by assisting with public education
