For Immediate Release:
Markham, Ontario –(November 4, 2023) — Volunteer Connect -York Region, the local volunteer centre, is revamping the seniors initiative to be more inclusive to the senior community.
As community service organizations across Canada (including charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies) work to support recovery in their communities, the Community Services Recovery Fund is providing Volunteer Connect York Region with $79,000 to help adapt and modernize their seniors program to grow support in the community.
Volunteer Connect York Region is dedicated to providing the senior population a sense of inclusivity and opportunity to feel welcomed to engage in their communities. During the pandemic, seniors were more hesitant in spending time with larger groups due to fear. In the post-pandemic era, partnering charitable organizations have emphasized their interest in addressing long term opportunity gaps that can be harnessed by seniors. Hence, why seniors are encouraged to rejoin the volunteer network through
Volunteer Connect’s Seniors Initiative.
“We believe in building a stronger, more inclusive community where seniors are valued for their wisdom and experience. The support from the Community Services Recovery Fund will empower Volunteer Connect York Region to create programming that fosters a sense of belonging among our senior community. We are excited to be on this journey, connecting seniors to opportunities, not only to help serve non-profits, but to make a meaningful impact in their communities.” – Arthur Chow, Board
President, Volunteer Connect York Region.
The new seniors program will provide a clearer understanding of the new needs of senior volunteers and our non-profit partners. The volunteering structure will ensure that our non-profit partners and seniors work together seamlessly, through collaborative programming to increase the volunteer options available for seniors while also bringing in a larger pool of older volunteers.
This new initiative will be reflected on the website with a segment dedicated solely to seniors which will showcase unique volunteering opportunities and other targeted information that will be updated on a regular basis.
If you’re interested in learning more or wish to donate or are seeking sponsorship opportunities, please visit us at www.volunteerconnect.ca.
For more information, please contact;
Thanah Sriskantha
Program Manager
Volunteer Connect, York Region
289-469-5346 or thanah.sriskantha@volunteerconnect.ca
