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Community partners launch campaign to support older adult volunteerism

April 20, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Community Connection has partnered with CONTACT Community Services in South Simcoe and the Barrie Public Library to launch its latest campaign to support older adult volunteerism throughout the region. The project focuses on ensuring older adults can connect to meaningful volunteer opportunities.

The project is funded by the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

“We recognized the need organizations have for volunteers for the sustainability of operations, as well as the incredible expertise of older adults to fill these gaps,” said Pam Hillier, executive director of Community Connection. “By working collaboratively with our other volunteer support centres in the region, we can bolster the opportunities available.”

Contact Community Services executive director, Emily McIntosh, said the project was a good fit for them.

“We have so many local human resources wanting to invest locally by volunteering. The key is ensuring there is a platform that can match them to what they are looking for.”

The Barrie Public Library is excited to promote volunteerism and community engagement to older adults with this online tool.

“We’re always looking for ways to help people discover the many opportunities available in our community,” said Barrie Public Library CEO Lauren Jessop. “By volunteering with the library or other non-profits, older adults can share their unique gifts with others while ensuring they stay connected to the community.”

In Simcoe County, the population of people age 65 and over increased 22.8 per cent between 2016 and 2021.

Research has shown that volunteering offers many health benefits, especially for older adults.

To find out more about volunteering, visit online at: www.volunteerconnection.ca.

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