Senior Support Centre volunteers log 7,661 hours

These days the work of volunteers is what keeps many organizations and agencies going and events happening.

Last Tuesday, May 1, the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg took the time to say thank you and honour the many volunteers who play a huge role is what the centre is able to offer.

Janet Levere, Executive Director of the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation, kicked off the celebration with a warm welcome and thank you, “for the many hours of hard work and commitment you have given to our community seniors, frail elderly and adults with disabilities so they can continue to live at home.”

Levere also thanked the volunteer members of the board of directors of the Corporation which leads the organization.

She pointed out, “it is not only us who recognize your value. The Ministry of Health and the Champlain LH1N are recognizing the importance of the work that community support services provide. They are directing more funding towards non-urgent transportation so seniors and others can get to their dialysis, to medical appointments and to adult day programs. This is one way to prevent health crisis.”

She also said that more wheelchair-accessible vehicles will be available in the five counties.

Levere congratulated the volunteers, who, for the second year, recorded over 7,000 hours of volunteer service.

“In fact our statistics tell us it was 7,661 hours. Your support is never ending, and new volunteers are always being recruited and trained so we don’t overload you.”

The volunteer hour breakdown shows that 73 persons received 2,607 meals during the year, and 337 seniors enjoyed 4,284 dinners.

A total of 120 clients were supported with 3,146 one-way trips and 93 people benefited from 457 foot care appointments. Another 17, enjoyed 505 units of the adult day programs.

Some 2,728 hours of volunteer work were provided for fund raising,  to the craft group, social recreation, and exercise programs. 

“In total 517 people were served during the past year by our volunteer support services and our paid employee services,” said Levere.

As for the paid employee services, Levere released figures that showed after discharge from Winchester District Memorial Hospital, 54 persons were supported by the Going Home program, while 93 more Going Home referrals were directed to other community support area service agencies located Metcalfe, Ingleside, Finch and Russell etc.

Nineteen clients were supported under the Assisted Living Service, just one short of the funded 20 spots, and 29 clients were served under Supportive Housing Services.

Fifteen seniors benefited from the Respite Apartment located at the Williamsburg centre, and 44 clients used the Respite Service program in their own homes.