The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is celebrating the impact of a $199,200 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation that has revitalized its volunteer program and helped expand services for individuals living with dementia.
On Thursday, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith attended a Volunteer Appreciation Coffee Morning hosted by the Alzheimer Society to recognize the contributions of volunteers and highlight the success of the two-year Resilient Communities Fund grant, which began in 2023.
“It’s truly inspiring to see the incredible impact the Alzheimer Society of PKLNH is making in our communities,” said Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “This grant from the provincial government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been instrumental in rebuilding and strengthening their vital volunteer program. 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.”
Executive Director Jen Johnstone says the funding was used to rebuild the Society’s volunteer program from the ground up after a noticeable decline following the COVID-19 pandemic..
Johnstone adds being a volunteer takes on many forms, but most people who sign up have a similar trait.
Volunteers are now actively contributing across a range of programs, including Young Onset Day Programs, Minds in Motion®, and the new In-Home Recreation initiative. The latter matches volunteers with individuals living with dementia based on shared interests, fostering meaningful weekly interactions. Others support administrative tasks, community outreach, and fundraising events such as the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer Society is currently seeking volunteers across all four counties it serves. Opportunities include visiting individuals in their homes, assisting with in-office respite, supporting exercise and social programs, and participating in education and outreach efforts.
More information is available at: https://alzheimer.ca/pklnh/en/take-action/volunteer.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier with files from Noah Lorusso)
