NOSP Sessions @ Golden Age Club very successful
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Thursday, February 3rd, Chelsea DeGagne, Volunteer Coordinator for North of Superior Programs presented 2 information sessions at the Golden Age Club and was very pleased with the number of Manitouwadge seniors who stepped up to offer themselves as volunteers.
DeGagne shared information on the Senior Volunteers In Service and Home Maintenance programs, each of which are free to use thanks to government funding and the assistance of generous volunteers.
The Senior Volunteers In Service program, explained DeGagne, is a friendly visiting service where seniors make regular visits to recipient seniors, providing them with a connection to their community. Visits can include sharing hobbies and interests or assistance with regular tasks such as getting to the post office, bank, grocery store or other errands. Often, the volunteering seniors find clients become friends and they can help introduce these new friends to the local senior centre or other social venues within the community.
The Home Maintenance program is also a free service, offered again, thanks to government funding and the senior volunteers who work through the program. This program is somewhat different than the SVIS program; Home Maintenance volunteers are usually responding to a one-time need for assistance with tasks which can vary from changing a lightbulb which is hard to access, to mowing the lawn, to acting as an advocate when a client is screening contractors for a job. DeGagne explained that seniors volunteering through the Home Maintenance program should not feel obligated to take on any project which requires a licenced technician or which is too physically strenuous for them; those in attendance discussed at length the vital role that can be filled however as advisor, advocate or assistive 3rd party.
DeGagne was overwhelmed with the positive response in Manitouwadge and the number of volunteers who registered at the two sessions held (afteroon & evening) to work with the programs. “I had hoped to possibly register 2 or 3 senior volunteers between the two sessions in Manitouwadge” explained DeGagne who was clearly moved by the 11 total Manitouwadge volunteers which were now registered “I had been told that Manitouwadge seniors would support the program but this has surpassed anything I could’ve hoped for!”. Manitouwadge Golden Age Club President Paul Gareaux was not at all surprised “This is how Manitouwadge works” said Gareau, “It doesn’t matter where you’ve worked, what your background is or how much money you have; in Manitouwadge when someone needs help we come together to ensure they receive it”.
DeGagne continues her recruitment efforts tomorrow as she travels to Marathon where she will be speaking at the Senior Centre
MORE INFO
- If you are interested in becoming a volunteer OR If you, or someone you know, could benefit from either a ‘Friendly Visit’ or assistance through the Home Maintenance Program, please contact Chelsea DeGagne, Volunteer Coordinator North of Superior Programs:
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- By phone 1-877-895-NOSP (6677) or 1-807-854-1321, Ext. 2201
- Via email at chelsea.degagne@nosp.on.ca .
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- North of Superior Counselling Programs provide children’s and adult mental health, addiction counselling, and support services to seniors.
- Offices are located in Nipigon, Schreiber, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Geraldton and Longlac
- Learn more about North Superior Counselling Programs
