Administrative Office Support Volunteer
Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, this program is limited for opportunities until further notice.
Administrative Office Support volunteers needed to assist with a variety of administrative tasks.
Assist our clientele by answering phones and directing calls to the appropriate department. Filing, copying, stuffing envelopes, data entry and various duties as needed. Some roles require intermediate computer skills, while others require good organizational skills and being detail-oriented. Tasks are variable based on deadlines.
Friendly Visiting On-Pause
Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, this program is currently
On-Pause
Pay a friendly visit to a client in his or her home. This service is mainly geared to isolated clients.
Be there to talk, listen, participate in activities, and provide companionship to someone in your community who may not be able to get out to socialize.
Volunteers provide friendly visits to seniors who may be isolated and/or who are lonely. Volunteers are matched based on interest and availability.
The volunteer and client will set up their own schedule for visit days and times. The volunteer is required to report any client concerns to the program coordinator.
Storytelling Volunteer
Our seniors have life experiences and stories in their memory bank that are worth preserving for generations to come. VON will provide storytelling volunteers with a set of questions. They meet with a client once a week for eight to ten weeks asking questions and recording the answers. They will then compile the questions and answers into a binder to present to the client. Resources and training are provided.
Member of Foundation Board of Directors
Members of the Foundation Board provide strategic leadership to VON by committing to excellence in advocacy and supporting VON to achieve its important vision and mission. Board members oversee the VON Foundation, participate in fund-raising events and work to increase the visibility and knowledge of VON in the community.
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.
Telephone Support Volunteer
Volunteers are needed to ensure that seniors continue to receive their check-in calls through the Tel-Check program.
Volunteers are also needed to ensure that when people reach out to the Distress Line, their call will be answered.
For over 40 years volunteers have been providing telephone support to isolated seniors and individuals struggling with day to day life challenges in Sarnia Lambton.
If you are a good listener and care to speak with individuals who need support and to feel connected, call Donna at Family Counselling Centre 519-336-0120
Funded by the United Way
MS Society Council Member
Research, Programs & Services Committee
- Work closely with staff partner and Chapter/Community Council RPS Lead to directly contribute time, skills and expertise to advancing research and programs and services initiatives in the local community
- Actively participate in chapter programs (i.e. research updates, friendly visiting program, support groups, educational events)
- Help open doors to potential partnerships through leveraging of personal or business connections
- Enhance knowledge and understanding about MS research and increase opportunities to share that knowledge with other MS stakeholders
- Build connections with local MS researchers/research community
- Gain a solid understanding of MS Society of Canada strategic objectives, policies & procedures, and programs and services, etc.
In partnership with staff, contribute to the development of the chapter’s annual research/programs & services workplan ensuring alignment to the division’s plans
For more information, please contact Wendi Anderson at wendi.anderson@mssociety.ca or 519-332-4015
MS Society Council Member
Government Relations & Advocacy Committee/Lead
- Support and advance the MS Society’s work in Government Relations and Advocacy
- Work closely with staff partner and Chapter/Community Council GR/Advocacy Lead to directly contribute time, skills and expertise to advocacy for people affected by MS
- Reach out to personal/business networks to engage them in Government Relations and Advocacy activities as needed and appropriate
- Gain a solid understanding of MS Society strategic objectives, policies & procedures, and advocacy initiatives
- Research community priorities for people living with MS, and participate in community consultations
- Meet with MP, MPP, local elected officials to advocate for people affected by MS
- Build relationships with elected officials and others who can influence and support MS cause
- In partnership with staff, contribute to the development of the chapter’s annual GR & Advocacy workplan ensuring alignment to the division’s plans
For more information, please contact Penny Burton at penny.burton@mssociety.ca or 519-221-0846
Live & Learn Host
Multiple Sclerosis Society is seeking 1-2 volunteer(s) to facilitate our Live & Learn program. The Live and Learn program occurs the third Wed of every month from 12-1:30 at Rosewood Village. We have guest speakers come in to cover topics of interest, with time after the speaker for supportive conversation and fellowship of guests and lunch.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, lifelong disease with unpredictable symptoms such as paralysis, pain, extreme fatigue, loss of balance, loss of vision, incontinence and cognitive difficulties. MS often hits people in their prime of life when people have young families and are building careers. MS causes strain on finances and family.
The MS Society, Southwestern Ontario Chapter, is seeking an individual who has some education and experience in group facilitation and is familiar with the possible social and economic barriers that people with disability face. The ideal candidate has a background in social work, counselling or other supportive experience.
Our clients all struggle with MS but at different stages. Some are young working professionals coping with a new diagnosis while others have been living with the disease for years. Some clients are quite mobile while others are confined to a wheelchair or require help from other assistance devices.
The Live and Learn Host would receive training, guidance and support from the staff.
Interested applicants should contact wendi.anderson@mssociety.ca
Fundraising Committee Volunteers
Be a leader in your community by helping plan and execute local fundraising events for the MS Society of Canada.
Committee members help to plan, recruit volunteers, find sponsors, plan and execute the logistical elements of local fundraising events including Mandarin MS Walk, MS Carnation Campaign and more!
We are looking for people with experience in, or looking to enhance their skills in areas including:
Public Relations
Logistics
Sponsorship
Volunteer Recruitment
If you are interested, please contact Melissa McLeod, Coordinator Fund Development at melissa.mcleod@mssociety.ca with your resume, area of interest, event of interest and how you think you can help the MS Society enhance the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis through fundraising.
