Carol Mitchell, MPP for Huron-Bruce joined members of the Alzheimer Society of Huron and Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer Peggy Menzies in Clinton today to celebrate a recent $74,000 grant. The grant will allow the local society to strengthen support for its clients through a Volunteer Companion Program and raise awareness throughout the county.

This funding is to further develop this essential service,” said Carol Mitchell, MPP for Huron-Bruce.

The Volunteer Companion Program, Just For You (JFU) is designed to provide weekly one on one visits to an individ

“The Volunteer Companion Program at the Alzheimer Society of Huron is truly making a difference in the lives of local residents and I’m pleased that our government is providinual with dementia in their own home.  Trained volunteers are matched with a person with the disease and visit with them once per week, during their preferred time, to provide socialization and meaningful activities.  These visits give the caregiver opportunity for respite and assist in giving the person with the disease empowerment for longer independent living at home. 

The project will also dedicate time to developing volunteer information ambassadors within the communities in Huron County in order to raise awareness and recruit volunteers to link to volunteer opportunities within the Society.

 “We are very excited to receive the Ontario Trillium Grant.  This new money will enable us to enhance our Volunteer Companion Program for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia and to develop volunteer information ambassadors within the communities of Huron County”, Cathy Ritsema, Executive Director

For more information about this project, please contact Kirsten Passchier, Community Outreach Coordinator 519-482-1482 or 1-800-561-5012 or email at kirsten@alzheimerhuron.on.ca