Volunteering in Sarnia-Lambton

VOLUNTEERING: A Great Way To Grow

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.

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.

 

 

Adopt A Driveway

Provide a valuable service for those who have a hard time shoveling snow. Volunteer to shovel a driveway and walkway for those in need. This opportunity is for those who live in the City of Sarnia and Brights Grove. Also this would be appropriate for those in high-school.

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.

Kitchen Volunteer Opportunity – St. Joseph’s Hospice

Kitchen Volunteer Opportunity 

We are looking for Kitchen Volunteers for our Residence at St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Do you enjoy preparing meals and snacks and want to share your time, skills and experience to a great cause?

Come Join our Team! In this role, you will provide support to the Kitchen Coordinator and assist with meal preparation for breakfast, lunch and dinner for our Residents.

Volunteer Role Information & Requirements: 

-Attend Volunteer Interview & Orientation

-Food Handlers Certificate (must be willing to become certified).

-Proof of Vulnerable Sector Check

-Proof of COVID Vaccination (2 doses)

-Role Specific Training

-Volunteer Shift Opportunities are Monday – Sunday 8:30am to 12:30pm or 2:00pm – 6:00pm.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Bingo Volunteer

Come join our team! We are currently seeking volunteers to represent Pathways at Jackpot City Gaming Bingo!

Not much time? No worries! As a group we are required to have two volunteers twice per month. With a pool of volunteers this amounts to one shift for 2 hours per month.
Already a Bingo volunteer for another community organization? You can volunteer for up to 3 charities so feel free to add Pathways to your list of charities!

Special Events Volunteers

Come join our team!  We are currently seeking volunteers for our special events scheduled as follows

Upcoming events

Caregiver Respite Visitor

Whether caring for a loved one who has dementia or another medical condition, caregivers often hesitate or simply cannot leave their loved ones alone.  Our respite visitors visit the home once a week to provide a couple of hours of respite so the caregiver can freely get out to do whatever will re-energize them!  Volunteers do not provide medical care but are watchful eyes and ears to summon help if needed.  Depending on the health status of the client they may stay in and visit, play cards, go for a walk, do some shopping, have coffee or even take a trip to the bridge!  All VON volunteers must show proof of at least 2 shots of Covid vaccine.