HAGERSVILLE — Haldimand Norfolk Community Senior Support Services (HNCSSS), like many organizations providing vital services in the community, is facing a crisis. Despite a growing need for their services, they are facing the impacts of a shrinking volunteer base – which means the vulnerable residents they serve may ultimately lose a critical lifeline if more people don’t heed the call.
For the members of HNCSSS’ Volunteer Committee, the ability to connect with their community and provide a genuinely helpful service to neighbours in need leaves them feeling enriched, rejuvenated, and filled with passion for the work they do.
“Sometimes when you’re retired, you really need something that excites you to get up and get going in the day,” said Committee member Mary Goodwin. “It’s very easy to get into a rut of staying home. You can only clean house so much. I decided when I retired that a spotless house was a sign of a wasted life.”
Volunteer Cathy Haynes summed up her love of the work, which includes driving clients: “When I retired, I wanted to do something. I love to drive, win-win.”
“90% of the people I drive live alone, so we have quite the conversations on our trips,” added volunteer Sharon Fess on one of the aspects she loves about volunteering with HNCSSS.
The newly formed Volunteer Committee met for the first time in March of this year, bringing together volunteers from Caledonia, Dunnville, Selkirk, Waterford, and Simcoe.
“They have an understanding of what drives members of our community to get involved with Senior Support. They are really ambassadors in the community they live in and have been doing lots of word-of-mouth recruitment and participating in community events whenever we have the opportunity to get involved in an appropriate event,” said Program Manager Leila Thompson.
Thompson explained one of the ways HNCSSS can act as a lifeline to an aging person living alone, “Our volunteers get to know the clients so well they learn to know if something’s off, or if someone didn’t seem like themselves today. They can call the office, let the manager know, and we can follow up with family. Sometimes that go-between or connection can help keep people healthy and safe.”
Keeping clients safe and healthy is something these volunteers are deeply passionate about.
“You really are the eyes and ears for that person to help draw attention to the fact that things are not as they have been, and somebody needs to look into it,” said Goodwin. “Certainly, when you see so many people struggling with so many issues, it makes you grateful that you are in a position to be able to help them.”
If the volunteer base continues to shrink, volunteer David Shanahan warned, “There’s no government service to replace us.”
Goodwin speculated that in the absence of the care provided by HNCSSS volunteers, many of their clients might be forced to move in with family or take up residency in a long-term care facility. They would lose access to appointments, social opportunities, and more.
“The bottom line is if people don’t volunteer, we can’t provide those services,” said Thompson.
To further combat this trend and raise awareness of the need, HNCSSS has created a new position, naming Christi Pordham their new Volunteer Recruitment & Fundraising Coordinator.
With a background in event planning, healthcare recruitment, and working with non-profit/charity organizations, Pordham hopes to bring a fresh perspective and a renewed vigour to the team’s search for volunteers.
“I am genuinely passionate about working with organizations that prioritize community enrichment and helping others. I have gained valuable knowledge and experience through my work with other organizations, and I believe my fresh perspective will be an asset to the HNCSSS team,” said Pordham on her new role.
Over the next year, the team is excited to expand their reach throughout both Haldimand and Norfolk, with plans to set up booths that will showcase their services and volunteer opportunities.
Those interested in speaking to members of the team directly can do so at the following locations throughout September:
- Hagersville Farmers Market – Wednesday, September 6 – 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Port Dover Farmers Market – Saturday, September 16 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Caledonia Fair – Saturday, September 30 – 4 to 6 p.m.
“Our goal is to connect with community members in person and provide them with answers to any queries they may have,” explained Pordham.
Pordham also plans to expand HNCSSS’ presence on social media, inviting people to check out their page on Facebook @Haldimand-NorfolkCommunitySeniorSupportServices and Instagram @hncseniorsupportservices.
“We’ll be using these pages to share valuable resources, updates on our organization’s progress, and to connect with current and potential volunteers who share our passion for our mission,” said Pordham.
She touched on the crisis facing service groups and organizations not just in Haldimand, but everywhere: “I truly believe that a community’s strength is built by the involvement and support of those in it.… We have an aging population and the number of people requiring access to our services and those alike will continue to go up…. Volunteers play an integral role in the operations, sustainability, and success of organizations like ours. By working together, we can create a stronger, more connected community which benefits us all.”
So, are you a good candidate for the role? Ask yourself: are you friendly, dependable, honest, and reliable? Do you have a desire to put some good into the community through your actions, in a fun and interesting environment built on developing lasting, meaningful relationships? If so, you are likely a good candidate.
“You cannot possibly give as much as you get back. It just gives you a purpose, it gives you a sense of community. There’s just so many positives for the volunteer as far as feeling good about yourself, and making a difference in someone’s life,” summed up Goodwin.
For Shanahan, his volunteer experience has helped him feel connected after moving to the area recently: “Getting into these lengthy conversations with people who have lived here for 40-50 years – it’s wonderful and fulfilling. You feel like you’re filling a great need that people have.”
Thompson drove home the severity of the situation facing the team, “In the Hagersville area, which spans from Hagersville to Fisherville, Selkirk, Jarvis, and Townsend, we currently only have approximately six volunteers providing transportation and only three of them are available on a regular basis. I know all our offices are still experiencing similar challenges.”
Recently, the committee came up with a new slogan, ‘Help Seniors Weather The Storm’. We as a community are lucky to have this team of dedicated volunteers, who do the type of work that is so necessary in every community.
Visit seniorsupport.ca or call 905-929-0198 today to find out how you can join the team and make a difference today.
