About this Initiative:
Volunteer Cowichan’s Friendly Visitor/Caller Volunteers play a social role for seniors living in the following areas: (Chemainus, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, North Cowichan, South Cowichan). Our Better at Home program supports seniors with simple, day-to-day tasks, allowing them to live independently and remain connected to their communities. As seniors seek to age in place, they can sometimes lose connection with friends and family. By connecting with seniors for some friendly company, caring volunteers can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, making a real difference in a senior’s life.
What you will be helping with:
• Meeting with a senior participant on a regular basis either in person and/or by phone. Most volunteer/participant matches meet on a bi-weekly basis, while others prefer to connect weekly or monthly.
• Collaborating with the participant to plan the activity you want to do together.
• Simple activities could include having friendly conversations, walking in the neighbourhood, colouring, simple art projects, baking, having coffee or tea, playing cards or a game, reading, watching TV and talking about the program afterward.
Other Helpful Information:
• Meeting times are flexible to meet both your and the senior participant's availability.
• This volunteer role would be a good fit for those with some free time during daytime hours, who enjoy spending quality time with others.
• Training and ongoing support provided through Volunteer Cowichan.
• Mileage reimbursement: Volunteers who submit their mileage on a monthly basis are eligible to either receive an e-transfer reimbursement or an annual tax receipt. *Mileage is calculated at a rate of .61/km
Volunteer Requirements:
To ensure the safety and well-being of our senior participants extra measures are taken to onboard all volunteers. As we are dealing with a vulnerable population this is standard procedure.
• Completion of a Volunteer Cowichan Application and In-Person Interview
• Criminal Record Check (can be completed free of charge online)
• Reference Check
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
• Signing of a Volunteer Cowichan -Volunteer & Confidentiality Agreement
Interested? Next Steps:
• Complete a Volunteer Cowichan Volunteer Application
• Still have questions? Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator Chris Waddell at 250-748-2133 or by email at volunteer@volunteercowichan.bc.ca
