Volunteering
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." ~ Winston Churchill
For more information, please contact:
April Lawson, Simcoe Strong Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers are important contributors to the care and socialization of the residents and play an intricate role in maintaining a comfortable environment. Volunteers should be caring individuals with an interest in making a difference in someone's life.
The many benefits of volunteering include:
- meet new people and make new friends
- create a meaningful opportunity
- to enrich another’s life
- enjoy new challenges and gain new skills
- experience a strong sense of joy and fulfillment
New* Volunteer Program Updates - April 21st
April 21st we held our first ever Virtual Volunteer Appreciation Event, and it went very well!
We have also been conducting Virtual Volunteer Programming. The following programs have taken place virtually
- Bible studies
- Church services
- Hymn sing-a-long
- Bingo
- Pet therapy
- Musical programs
- Baking/cooking classes
- One-to-one virtual visiting
- Short story program
New* Resident Birthday Donation Program
We began a new birthday program at each of our long-term care homes where groups of volunteers and/or companies purchase individual cupcakes, make or purchase birthday cards and provide a birthday balloon so each resident is able to celebrate their birthdays on their actual birth dates.
New* Virtual Volunteering
Virtual volunteering is done online, via computers, tablets, or smartphones, off-site from the Long Term Care Homes. More and more, organizations are engaging people who want to contribute their skills and time via the Internet.
What are the benefits of virtual volunteering?
Virtual volunteering is flexible, often allowing the volunteer to complete a task or project around their own schedule. It is also not limited by geography, physical ability or work arrangement. You can choose to volunteer for any of the Long Term Care homes through Simcoe County and or link our residents to other places and people around the world!
What is the time commitment?
Virtual volunteers can complete one-time, short-term or ongoing tasks and projects. But it would be very much appreciated if our volunteers committed some sort of time to our residents on a regular basis as they so need company from outside our home.
Below are some different ways you can virtually volunteer…
- Read short stories (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
- Visit virtually with a resident 15min-half hour (I can give topics to chat about and or link you up with a resident with similar interests)
- Allow residents to bake or cook with you virtually, get them engaged
- Share a musical instrument talent with our residents
- Share biblical scripture with our residents
- Sing with our residents (sing-a-long)
- Get your kids and or grandkids involved and share a play or a dance routine they learned
- Call virtual Bingo for small group of residents
- Do a craft virtually with a resident (let me know what supplies you may need)
- Share some of your pets virtually
- Link our residents to other special people around the world on a Zoom call to visit other destinations and people virtually
If you are interested in learning more about some of our virtual volunteering opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact April.Lawson@simcoe.ca
COVID-19 Updates
Please click on the following links to your Home webpages for important updates in our Long-Term Care and Seniors Services Facilities:
Volunteers needed
‘‘The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”
~ Oscar Wilde
Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Weekend Programs, Summer Programs and Special Holidays. Our Home hours of operation are
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 7 days per week.
Dress Code for Volunteers - pants, golf shirts, running shoes, with ankle socks, closed shoes
How can a volunteer help?
Click on
this link for your Opportunity Directory. Scroll down on the left of the directory page for your desired Home/area.
Volunteers help in so many ways
- 1:1 Assistance during programs
- administrative Duties: filing, organizing, decorating, mail delivery
- assisting at meal times
- bringing generations together
- developing presentations
- escorting Residents to programs
- friendly visiting
- fundraising
- library
- manicure and spa treatments
- pet care
- running the computer lab
- sharing knowledge about interests and current events
- Simcoe Cycling without Age
Becoming a student volunteer
‘‘You will find as you look back upon your life, that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love .’’
~ Henry Drummond
- how can a student volunteer help?
- bringing generations together
- friendly visiting
- escorting Residents to programs
- assisting at meal times
- 1:1 Assistance during programs
- running the computer lab
- sharing knowledge about sports, current events & technology
- administrative duties: filing, organizing, decorating, mail delivery, developing presentations
- pet care
- manicure and spa treatments
- library services
- special events
The many benefits of becoming a student volunteer include:
- explore career options by working in a different setting, with various professionals
- strengthen your resume, by adding new skills and experiences
- develop leadership skills by working on special projects
- meet new people and make new friends
- enjoy new challenges, and have fun!
This is how to join our team
Application Form - click on a link below to open either the Online Application Form and click on Submit, or the Application Form in Word and forward your printed form to the corresponding address.
Next steps
- Two Step TB Test
- Criminal reference check with vulnerable sector check
- Attend orientation
- Complete training and paperwork
- Start making a difference
For more information contact April Lawson, Simcoe Strong Volunteer Coordinator by email at April.Lawson@simcoe.ca.
Or you may contact the Program and Support Services Supervisors and Community Programs Supervisor:
- Georgian Manor, Penetanguishene - Christina Thorpe,
Christina.Thorpe@simcoe.ca 705-549-3166 ext. 3080
- Simcoe Manor, Beeton - Rosa Athanassoulis, Rosa.Athanassoulis@simcoe.ca 905-729-2267 ext. 5080
- Sunset Manor, Collingwood - Jenn Baulke,
Jenn.Baulke@simcoe.ca 705-445-4499 ext. 6080
- Trillium Manor, Orillia - Crystal Rosewell,
Crystal.Rosewell@simcoe.ca 705-325-1504 ext. 4080
- Adult Day Program, Elmvale and Penetanguishine - Peter Verduin, Supervisor Community Programs,
Peter.Verduin@simcoe.ca 905-729-2267 ext. 5131
