Volunteer

You can make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia. Our volunteers are provided certified training programs to enhance their knowledge so they can go into their roles with confidence.

Volunteers at the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's in Niagara Region.

We are currently recruiting volunteers for our Tele-Care and Meaningful Visits programs. Contact the Coordinator of Volunteer Programs for more details.

Volunteers are critical to organizations like ours. To help you find the right fit and make the most of your volunteer experience, please register to become a volunteer.

Tele-Care and Meaningful Visits Volunteers can report their volunteer hours using our volunteer time sheet.

Our Coordinator of Volunteer Programs is always available to answer any questions you may have.

Shawn Watson
Coordinator of Volunteer Programs
swatson@alzheimerniagara.ca      
905-687-3914 ext. 544

Benefits of Volunteering

Alzheimer Society volunteers are people like you that want to make a difference in their community. Join us and you will 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 can also help make a difference in your 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!

Volunteer Application Process

  1. Fill out our online volunteer application
  2. Complete a one-to-one interview with our Coordinator of Volunteer Programs
  3. Sign up and complete our Online Volunteer Training
  4. Complete one mandatory in-person Workshop for new volunteers

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers can make a big difference in the lives of people living with dementia. Our orientation and training programs enhance our volunteer’s knowledge so they can go into their role with confidence.

Click here to view all available volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities

Guiding principles keep relationships balanced between organizations and their volunteers by ensuring they are reciprocal. We are committed to developing and supporting volunteer involvements that benefit both the Society and the volunteer(s).

Volunteers have rights

The Society recognizes that volunteers are a vital human resource and will commit the appropriate infrastructure to support volunteer involvement.

  • The organization's practices ensure effective volunteer involvement
  • The organization provides a safe and supportive environment for volunteers
  • Work in a safe and healthy workplace, to know about unsafe work and to refuse unsafe work
  • A supportive environment in which to work and contribute
  • Effective and meaningful volunteer involvement practices
  • Have input about their role and ideas regarding the program
  • Provide feedback and receive feedback when requested and at regular intervals
  • Ask for and receive support from their supervisor when required
  • Be accommodated for any ability needs to complete non-essential tasks of the role

Volunteers have responsibilities

Volunteers make a commitment and are accountable to the organization.

  • Volunteers will act with respect for the cause, the stakeholders, the organization, and the community
  • Volunteers carry out their involvement responsibly and with integrity

Click here to view and download the Volunteer Manual for more information.

Accessibility Commitment Statement

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region is committed to treating each person in a way that will allow them to maintain their independence and dignity. The Society believes in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing identified barriers to accessibility, educating employees and meeting the accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Please click here to view our AODA compliance report.

If you require assistance to access our services, please contact:

David Angus
Director of Programs and Services 
905-687-3914 ext. 537

Testimonials

“With the Alzheimer Society, you are giving so much to the senior community: offering social activities, having fun, and helping our clients recall memories. Volunteering for me has been beneficial for these reasons, plus the joy I see on a client's face when they participate in our social activities."

"As a volunteer, the Alzheimer Society has given me a chance to give back to our community, especially when dealing with this terrible disease. I feel good about myself knowing that I make a difference in people's lives."

"As a volunteer, it makes me feel like the world is larger than my narrow scope and I'm grateful to be involved in improving someone's day."

Volunteer Spotlights

Our volunteers truly make a difference in the Niagara community. Learn more about some of our star volunteers below.

Photo of Sophia

Sophia Alongi

Sophia joined the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region as a volunteer less than a year ago. Sophia spends her volunteer time between Friendly Visiting, our Aging & Dementia Simulation, Brain Wave Cafés, and many other programs offered by the ASNR.

Brain Wave Café

Brain Wave Cafés are a drop-in group offering a welcoming place in the community for people to meet up regularly and share their experiences with their peers. Online option now available!

Learn more
Senior couple enjoying a cup of coffee.

Recollections

This program helps individuals living with dementia create a lasting Life Story book to share with their family and friends.

Learn more
Photos and memories.

Tele-Care Program

The Tele-Care Program is a phone based Meaningful Visits program supported by trained volunteers who make phone calls to clients on a pre-determined schedule.

Learn more
Woman wearing a headset and smiling.

Early Stage Programs

Our Early Stage Programs offer an opportunity for individuals living with early-stage dementia or cognitive change to connect with peers in a supportive environment.

Learn more
ASNR Advisory Group

Minds in Motion

Minds in Motion® is a physical activity and brain stimulation program for people with dementia and their care partners, delivered in partnership with the YMCA of St. Catharines.

Learn more
Man looking over a senior woman holding dumbbells.

Sole Mates Walking Group

The Sole Mates walking group will meet each Friday for outdoor walks in the community. Walking has so many benefits for our physical health but it is also good for our mental health, especially when we walk together!

Learn more
group of seniors walking