Volunteering in Sarnia-Lambton

VOLUNTEERING: A Great Way To Grow

Group Visiting Leader

You can live in a building with lots of other people around and still be very lonely and isolated.  A team of two group visiting leaders go into a building where a lot of seniors live and lead scheduled times of guided discussion.  The aim is to assist them in getting to know one another and build friendships with those around them.

SMART In-Home Exercise Volunteer

Many seniors are not able to get out of their home to exercise or attend fitness classes.  SMART volunteers visit a senior in their home once a week for twelve weeks to complete a simple exercise routine of set stretches and exercises that have been designed to prevent falls.  There is no floor work or exercises with weights.  Clients are expected to complete the exercise regime at least once on their own between visits.  By the end of the twelve weeks clients have established an exercise routine that they can accomplish independently and safely!  All VON volunteers must show proof of at least 2 shots of Covid vaccine.

Volunteer Crisis Responder

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton is a non-profit organization that provides to support to victims following a crime or tragic circumstance. The Volunteer Crisis Responders will provide immediate on-scene emotional and/or practical support. Volunteer Crisis Responders are needed for weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. Training is provided. Please visit www.victimservices.on.ca to fill out an online application.

Bingo Volunteer

URGENT NEED!  Jackpot City Bingo in Sarnia is a supporter of the VON.  Each month we provide volunteers to serve the patrons at one or two Bingos.  We are currently in need of two volunteers to represent VON by serving at these Bingos.  Training will be provided.  All VON volunteers must show proof of at least 2 shots of Covid vaccine.  We are currently most in need of volunteers who are available during the day on weekdays.

Volunteer Visitor

It’s been a lonely couple of years for many people but especially our senior population.  It’s finally time to start visiting again!  Would you be willing to visit a lonely and isolated senior on a weekly basis?  Right now you can only visit them in their home but as restrictions lesson you can take them out to help with errands, go for a drive, or have a cuppa joe.  Our clients have lived productive lives but now find themselves alone and staring at the walls, unable to get out without a friend.  They have much to offer someone who takes time to listen!  All VON volunteers must show proof of at least 2 shots of Covid vaccine.

Telephone Visitor

We provide telephone visits to individuals who are waiting for a volunteer visitor to come to their home weekly.  Volunteers simply call to have a chat and keep in touch.  Calls may vary from 5-30 minutes depending on the individuals and situation.  Telephone visitors call at least twice a month but if the client is lonely they may call as often as twice a week.  Volunteers may choose to have from one to six clients on their call list and call the same people each month to establish  a relationship.  All VON volunteers must show proof of at least 2 shots of Covid vaccine.

HELP Program

HELP is a program that serves our older patients (70+) who are at risk of experiencing a delirium (sudden onset of confusion) and functional decline while in hospital.

With direction from the Elder Life Specialist, volunteers provide patients with engaging activities and ensure that patients are comfortable and oriented to their surroundings. As a HELP volunteer, you will assist with providing patients with four interventions activities.

  1. Daily Visitor and Orientation – provide daily orientation with newspapers, cards from family and friends and orienting conversations.
  2. Therapeutic Activities – crossword puzzles, word searches, word puzzles, Montessori activities, reminiscing activities and games.
  3. Active Range of Motion Exercise – active range of motion exercises to keep them physically active (as directed by a physiotherapist).
  4.  Meal Assistance – help fill out menu choices, open packaging, set-up of the meal tray, provide feeding assistance, companionship and encouragement during mealtime.

HELP volunteers are required to participate in HELP volunteer training which includes:

After completing the training, volunteers are assigned one 3-4 hour shift per week.

 

 

Program Volunteers

Rebound is looking for volunteers who are 18+ to assist with our 10-week programs. If you are an adult with a big heart who would enjoy working with youth during our evening programs, this is the opportunity for you.

Program volunteers work with youth ages 8 – 17 one night a week for 10 weeks. These volunteers spend 2.5 – 3 hours per week with youth and provide a supportive atmosphere that allows youth to open up and honestly examine their lives and actions. Program volunteers work directly with the youth and are responsible for engaging youth, encouraging them to participate, and help them with goal setting.

Program volunteers must attend an orientation, provide 2 references, a vulnerable sector police clearance and attend two observation sessions in order to fully participate as a volunteer. Please check out our wide range of programs at www.reboundonline.com to see what we have to offer the youth in our community.

Footcare Clinic Assistant

Our Footcare volunteers welcome the patients, answer their questions, write receipts and book a next appointment for them.  They interact with the patient, making it a pleasant and social experience for them, while they wait for their turn to see the nurse.  All VON volunteers must show proof of at least 2 shots of Covid vaccine.

Adult Day Program Volunteer

Our Adult Day Program benefits adults with Alzheimer Disease, dementia or cognitive impairment living in the community.  Programming is based on the principles of Montessori Methods for Dementia to provide a safe, error free environment focusing on people and not disabilities.  It takes place in a pleasant, homelike environment with a comfortable living room, dining room and patio for summer activities and BBQ.  Volunteers interact with participants throughout the day and assist them in the various activities.  They also assist the staff in set-up and clean-up throughout the day.  Volunteers may come for a couple of hours or stay the whole day.  We are currently looking for volunteers available Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday.  All VON volunteers must show proof of at least 2 shots of Covid vaccine.