“The most important thing is meeting people” – Celebrating our Volunteers
We are celebrating National Volunteer Week by highlighting some of the many generous individuals who contribute their time and talents to the Active Adult Centre. Whether it’s preparing delicious coffee and meals for our onsite Sunlight Cafe, or organizing fun and unforgettable day trips around Ontario, our volunteers are the heart and soul of our Centre.
Wanting to keep social, Blanche became a member in 1998. Five years later, she decided to give more of her time at the Centre as a volunteer, making this her 20th year with no signs of stopping. If you’ve visited our Travel Desk hoping to register for our popular day trips to beautiful Ontario destinations, you’ve likely had Blanche help you out. Determined to stay busy, the AACM is one of multiple places she volunteers so that she can stay active – and thanks to her contributions, she helps her peers do the same.
Hilda, a member of our Board of Directors who oversees volunteer engagement, is a volunteer herself. In 2019, she joined the Centre’s board as the Director of Volunteers. This means she works with the AACM’s Volunteer Coordinator to make sure the Centre’s 100+ volunteers are trained, assigned responsibilities that match with their skills and interests, and are properly thanked and recognized for their efforts. She is present at many important events, such as our volunteer celebrations throughout the year. She spoke at the special 30th Anniversary deputation to City Councillors in 2022. Hilda enables a cohesive relationship between the many groups of people that make up Centre, such as the Board who provide leadership, volunteers who facilitate services, members who join us for classes and events, and staff who manage the AACM on a daily basis.
Our Centre’s Deputation in 2022, where City Councillors and Mayor Bonnie Crombie were delighted to hear from us. Many volunteers and members were present to show the impact we have on Seniors in Mississauga.
These individuals are a few examples of how our Centre continues to thrive and can provide much-needed resources to older adults. Our volunteers are vital to the Centre and in many ways, they are the Centre. Thanks to them, it’s easy and fun to participate in our programming, enjoy our events, and make new friends.
Do you have a passion for planning travel trips? Want to share your culinary gifts at the Café, or flex your organizational skills in the Admin office? Have a special skill you’d like to teach others? We have volunteering areas that suit whatever your passions might be. Keep an eye on our website’s Volunteer Info page and our social media for announcements about the positions we’re recruiting for.
Some quick facts about the AACM Volunteer Program:
We are award-winning! Our Volunteer Coordinator, Karmela, was recognized by Volunteer MBC as 2018’s Leader in Volunteer Engagement.
Volunteers are invited to our exclusive recognition events planned multiple times through the year to celebrate their efforts and loyalty, including a complimentary lunch, expert speakers and entertainment. We’ve had everything from wellness coaches to Frank Sinatra impersonators inspire and delight our volunteers!
Not ready for retirement yet, or looking for experience that will make a splash on the job hunt? We welcome volunteers of all ages and degrees of work and volunteer experience. Letters of recommendation are available for longer-term volunteer commitments.
Recognition Awards are granted to longtime volunteers marking 5 years, 10, 15, and beyond!