I would be lying if I said I have always wanted to pursue a career in dementia care. As a kid I dreamt of being a teacher, a nurse, a rollercoaster operator, but most of all I wanted to one day operate a cash register that wasn’t made by Fisher Price (to be honest I still want to try). When I was 17-years-old, I accepted a job as a server and receptionist at a retirement home in my hometown.
Every spring, I can’t wait to get my trowel in hand and bring my garden back to life again. It’s a ritual of rebirth that allows me to put even the worst of winters behind me. And it seems as if this interest has finally aligned with another passion: creating a world without Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. That’s what makes me so excited about our latest campaign. On May 17, we are encouraging Ontarians to plant Forget Me Not…
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…
Leona Nickel first became involved with the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba when her mother started showing signs of dementia. She felt she needed a place to talk about how she was handling this change, and a Support Group was the perfect outlet. For the past 20 years, Leona has volunteered as a Support Group Facilitator for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. “I love hearing people’s stories and asking questions. I’ve been in their shoes, so I have some knowledge 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…