When attendees take to the floor on May 7 at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s annual Dine & Dance event, they’ll be swaying to the musical style of local group, The Spirit of Jazz. Founded in 2002 by James Warburton and Chuck Loriot, the group performs at jazz clubs and festivals as well as private parties and corporate functions. For the past seven years, the band has lent its talents to headline the social event offered to persons in the…
When Linda Finkbeiner’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009, Linda chose to volunteer with the Alzheimer Society of Huron County, as she felt it was a great way to get connected and involved in helping Jim. Volunteering helped her to better understand the disease process and provided her with the support she needed to face the new challenges she was experiencing with Jim. Linda’s passion for helping those affected by Alzheimer’s disease extends to her peers, and…
Here at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, we have been incredibly fortunate to have support from volunteers from all walks of life. Whether it be a retired educator, aspiring graphic designer, student or advocate, we feel incredibly lucky to have a network of individuals who are passionate about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Below you will meet one of those incredible volunteers, Romina. An advocate, educator, student, professional and so much more, she has truly taken the AlzTunes project and made…
Meet Cindy. She has made a real difference for the Alzheimer Society. As FreshCo’s VP of operations, she has helped get her company to help fundraise for this important cause. She been involved with the Alzheimer Society for over 15 years and even acted as its honorary chair. At first, she helped get FreshCo stores across the region involved in our annual coffee break fundraiser. Shoppers were encouraged to make a donation at the cash register and have their name…
Why do I volunteer? I am currently on the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. My interest is driven by a few reasons: having Alzheimer’s disease in my family I know how taxing it can be on loved ones and frustrating it can be for the individual; giving back to society; wanting to make a difference to the people we serve and the Alzheimer’s Society donors; and selfishly feeling good about myself. What is my background? I…
Why do I volunteer? My mother had Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie services such as support groups, caregiver meetings and educational tools were a godsend. I wanted to give back to the Society after all it gave to me. What is my background? I worked at a newspaper for many years in their advertising department. After retirement, I wanted to find a way to stay active in the community. What is my impact? I help the Society…
After Lynn Silver’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Lynn wanted to get involved with the Alzheimer Society in some way. She sought out a volunteer opportunity and has now been a Support Group Facilitator with the Alzheimer Society for the past three years. Lynn facilitates a Support Group at St Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on Harcourt St in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The group meets the fourth Thursday of every month. “I continue to volunteer because I know how challenging of…
Why do I volunteer? I took on this volunteer position to learn and expand my skills. This position allows me to do that and make a difference in the lives of people with dementia and their caregivers. It’s great to know my work has a purpose. What is my background? I am employed with an adult day program for people with dementia. I have also volunteered with the Alzheimer Society in other cities, such as with their Volunteer Companion Program…
Awhile ago someone said to me, “Tim you’re a true Champion for the Alzheimer’s community.” In truth, I am merely the voice for my wife Shirley. After many years as a caregiver herself, she now faces Alzheimer’s disease. She is the real champion and this is her story, not mine. In 2005, I first noticed my 61 year-old wife Shirley was struggling with a volunteer position as a treasurer for a small ladies group. She had always handled our personal…
Why do I volunteer? I volunteer with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario because I want to contribute to the strength of the education and services that the Society provides for Ontarians with dementia and their caregivers. The rise of dementia in our community, its economic impact and its impact on quality of life is a major health care issue. Like many Ontarians, the impact of dementia has affected my family. What is my background? As a clinical researcher of cognitive…