HALDIMAND—Recently the Alzheimer Society Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton (ASBHNHH) met with Haldimand Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady to share how a $194,600 grant is being used to recover and rebuild its volunteer team.
The project was funded by a Resilient Communities Grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) for ASBHNHH to acquire support and resources to rebuild the volunteer team that helps to support programs offered to families living with dementia.
“Sadly, all of our lives are touched by dementia,” said Brady. “But I consider it happy news that, with the Ontario Trillium Fund grant, the Alzheimer Society will be able to attract and retain even more great volunteers who will also build resiliency and be enabled to acquire more support and resources.”
Through these funds, ASBHNHH was able to recruit a full-time Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to focus on rebuilding the volunteer base in Haldimand Norfolk that suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Funds have also been used to promote volunteering at ASBHNHH through print and digital advertising, to provide volunteers with training, and to participate in community outreach events.
“Volunteers are essential to the work we do at ASBHNHH,” said Kayla Johnston, Team Lead of Public Education, Social Programs & Volunteer Services at ASBHNHH. “Thanks to the OTF Grant, this year our volunteers have directly supported over 40 persons in Haldimand Norfolk who are living with dementia through the IHSR program and have provided over 150 friendly phone calls to care partners in the region. Volunteers at ASBHNHH also provide support to our many health and wellness programs, public education initiatives, and assist in fundraising efforts. Volunteers are needed year-round and are always appreciated.”
ASBHNHH is the local community agency dedicated to supporting families living with dementia. Programs and services at the organization are centred around dementia education, resources and support services, and health and wellness activities.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
OTF is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110 million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic wellbeing, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
