Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer and Work Opportunities

Bottle Drive

Operation Friendship Seniors Society

Are your bottles piling up? Operation Friendship Seniors Society (OFSS) is trying to raise $10,000 through the #OFSSbottledrive. This money will go towards their drop-in centre and seniors programs. Call 780-408-2958 or email Jimmy at jimmym@ofss.org and he will arrange contactless pickup.

Health Quality Council of Alberta COVID-19 Experiences and Impact Survey

This survey asks questions about your experiences during the pandemic. The Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) aims to understand what Albertans think about public health measures, health system access as well as the support available to stay informed, well and protected during the pandemic.

The survey should only take about 15 minutes to complete. All Albertans over the age of 16 are invited to participate.

Your survey responses will be analyzed along with those of other Albertans. The HQCA will share findings with Albertans, key decision-makers in government and healthcare, as well as other jurisdictions across Canada.

Newcomer Survey

Understanding Newcomer Experiences of Inclusion (UNEOI)

Are you a newcomer to Canada? UNEOI wants to know your thoughts on your settlement process. You will get a $10 Tim Horton’s gift card for completing the survey on newcomer inclusion in Alberta.

The Understanding Newcomer Experiences of Inclusion (UNEOI) is a two-year community-based research project looking at newcomers’ experiences of settlement, integration, and inclusion and how this impacts well-being. This is an opportunity for newcomers to share their experience, and contribute knowledge to the area of newcomer settlement in Alberta. For the purpose of the research, ‘newcomers’ are defined as immigrants and refugees who have lived in Canada for up to 10 years.

Take the survey in English or in Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Punjabi, Spanish, or Tagalog.

Seniors COVID-19 Pandemic and Exercise (SCOPE) Trial

University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria

Physical distancing has disrupted our typical activities for taking care of our well-being and health. This research project is investigating if different types of exercise programs, provided free to participants, significantly improve the well-being and health of older adults (aged 65 years or older) currently living in Canada. Explore fun, new ways to exercise and assist with critical research benefitting the health of older adults. It’s a win-win!

Research Participants Wanted: Reasons for Limiting Sitting Time from the Perspective of Older Adults

University of Lethbridge, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education

Older adults 65 years and older are invited to participate in a study investigating why older adults choose to reduce daily sitting time. Individuals of all fitness levels are encouraged to participate. The survey takes 30-45 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and confidential. In appreciation for your time spent completing this survey, each participant will be entered into a draw for one of four $25 VISA gift cards. For more information, email PALS@uleth.ca or call 403-332-5207.

Donate toiletries to help Edmontonians during COVID-19

Edmonton Meals’ on Wheels, Age Friendly Edmonton, and St. Andrews United Church

EMOW is currently collecting donations to create 1,000 essentials kits for people who are running low on toiletries and having difficulty accessing these items due to low income, isolation, or limited mobility. EMOW is seeking donations of toilet paper, bar soap, body wash, toothpaste, shampoo, and facial tissue to create the kits. New, unopened toiletries can be dropped off at St. Andrews United Church (9915 148 Street), Tuesday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monetary donations for this project can be made online or by phoning 780-429-2020. See the press release for full details.

AlbertaCaresConnector

VolunteerConnector and the Government of Alberta have teamed up to offer AlbertaCaresConnector. Albertans seeking to lend their skills and talents during the pandemic can find opportunities posted to this site.

Volunteer Opportunities for Crafters

Enjoy sewing? MWSA is looking for volunteers to sew fabric masks. Materials are provided, however, you must own a sewing machine. If you want to help, email Michele at bookkeeper@mwsac.ca to arrange for delivery of mask materials. Video instructions for the mask are available online. The mask you will be making is "mask prototype 2".

Send Positive Messages to Seniors

Some Edmonton organizations have organized message-writing campaigns during COVID-19. Sending a thoughtful message of positivity is a great way to show a senior that you're thinking of them during this difficult time.

CapitalCare Foundation: Send a postcard with a custom message to a resident at CapitalCare Centres.
The Good Samaritan Society: Email a note to a local senior, or have your kids or grandkids draw a picture to brighten their day. Send your message to mission@gss.org. Messages will be printed and shared with residents at Good Samaritan Residences around Edmonton.

Research Participants Wanted

University of Toronto, Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

This research study is being conducted to better understand social interactions and social isolation among Canadian senior citizens, with a focus on how older adults use technology for socializing. The researchers are seeking participants who are aged 55+ and living in Canada to take part in an online survey. For more information, call 1-416-946-8573.

Study: Supporting Family Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia

Caregivers of a family member or friend who has dementia and lives in a long term care facility are invited to participate in this study to find out the best way to support caregivers as they experience significant changes.

Learn more by reviewing the brochure and flyer. If you wish to participate, call toll-free 1-877-692-5909 or email care.support@ualberta.ca.

We Want to Hear Your Ideas for Supporting Seniors

The pandemic is making things difficult for many of us, especially seniors. So far, we've heard some great tips for keeping seniors connected, including making phone calls, visiting from a distance, having a Zoom video call and more. One senior we've spoken to is currently reading books to another senior via telephone. His telephone reading program is a great idea for reducing loneliness during this time. If you have ideas for supporting seniors during the pandemic, share them with us at info@seniorscouncil.net.

Donations Wanted

Have some spare time on your hands while isolating? Now is a great time to get organized and do a bit of spring cleaning! If you have items to donate, collect them in bags and put them aside for Operation Friendship Seniors Society. While the drop-off centre is currently closed, donations will be needed after the pandemic. Have some extra bottles kicking around? Hang on to those too as OFSS will be completing a bottle drive in the future. For more information go to www.ofss.org.

Step into Action: Volunteer with Edmonton Meals on Wheels

Volunteering with Edmonton Meals on Wheels offers big rewards for both clients and volunteers for a minimal time commitment. Volunteer drivers help thousands of Edmontonians every year with a time commitment of only 2.5 hours once or twice a week. Other ongoing volunteer opportunities include helping in the kitchen, office, and at special events. If you have a passion to help and some extra time to give, Edmonton Meals on Wheels would love to hear from you. For details about volunteer opportunities, visit www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or call 780-429-2020. Sign up today!

Volunteer Drivers

Drive Happiness Seniors Association

Looking to volunteer? Want to make your own schedule? Why not help us Drive Happiness? For 20 years, Drive Happiness has provided assisted transportation services to seniors by pairing them with volunteer drivers.

Volunteering with Drive Happiness is extremely flexible and offers a gas reimbursement. You can make your own schedule and help get seniors where they need to go.

Volunteers require a class 5 driver’s license, a clean driver abstract, and must be willing to provide a vulnerable sector police check.

Make a difference in a senior's life - volunteer for Drive Happiness today. Call 780-424-5438 or go online at drivehappiness.ca/volunteer to download an application form.

Virtual Vision Mate Program

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)'s Vision Mate Program provides one-on-one sighted volunteer assistance to people who are blind or partially sighted. Volunteers are paired for friendly visiting. Currently, the program has migrated to a remote set up due to COVID-19 with visits taking place over the phone. If you're friendly, positive, empathetic, responsible, and comfortable working with individuals with vision loss, this might be the opportunity for you! For more information, complete the online volunteer application form or email absvolunteers@cnib.ca.

Interested in Being Part of a Healthier City for Seniors? Take a Survey!

University of Alberta researchers are currently undertaking a study to understand neighbourhood environments in northern cities, and how these environments impact the lives of senior residents. The study involves a 10-15 minute survey that can be completed online or on paper. Review the poster for additional details, or contact Desmond Yim at yim1@ualberta.ca or 780-807-1577.

Research Study: Survey on Accessibility in Canada

Attention caregivers and adults aged 65+! Lend your expertise to an accessibility study, which seeks to understand the main barriers to accessibility encountered by Canadians, how these barriers affect quality of life, and if these barriers are being addressed by existing Canadian legislation. Participants can complete the survey online, by telephone, or by mail. Paper forms are available in both 12 pt. and 16 pt. font for improved accessibility. For more information, contact KITE Research Associate, Sin-Tung Lau, at 416-597-3422 ext. 7878 or by email at sin-tung.lau@uhn.ca.

Study Participants Wanted: Under-Reporting in Abuse of Older Adults in the Prairie Provinces

Are you an older adult who has experienced some form of abuse, potentially including serious harm, disrespect, or assault? The University of Calgary is seeking feedback from older adults 55+ on this issue. Study participants will be interviewed in a comfortable setting of their choosing. Participation in this study is completely voluntary and confidential. An honorarium of $25 will be provided to study participants. If you are interested in participating in this study or have any questions, contact Carla Liepert at the University of Calgary, at carla.liepert@ucalgary.ca or 780-232-1285.

Volunteer Connector

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