The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's is our biggest fundraising event for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. There are many volunteer opportunities leading up to the event, as well as on the day of.

Help before the walk: Duties include envelope stuffing for mailout, calling past walkers, walk committee, and poster distribution.

Help on day of the walk: Duties include set up of tables, set up route signs, registration table, pet area, kid zone, food and beverage table, first aid station, and tear down.

There are two walks available in Muskoka to participate in: 

• Memorial Park, Bracebridge- Saturday, May 25, 2024, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• River Mill Park, Huntsville- Sunday, May 26, 2024, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

For more information, please contact Michelle Dear at 705-645-5621 Ext. 115 or walk@alzheimermuskoka.ca

This is a volunteer opportunity with the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka for the Minds in Motion® program.

Minds in Motion® is a community-based social program that incorporates physical and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stage signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and their care partners.

• Minds in Motion® is an eight-week program delivered once weekly that combines physical activity with mental stimulation, in a social environment.
• The program is delivered at Municipal Recreation Centres, Older Adult Centres or similar multi-service centres to help normalize the experience for participants.
• The program was developed in British Columbia and results indicate improved physical and mental health for both people with dementia and their care partner.
• Minds in Motion® is not a fitness program, a social recreation program or a drop-in program.

Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Help with the set up and clean up of refreshments, games and activities for the program
• Assist the Minds in Motion® Coordinator to ensure activity participation and socialization. This may include spending one-on-one time with participants who need extra support.
• Under the direction of the Physical Activity Program Leader, provide one-on-one support to participants during the physical activity component of the program
• Assist with any other required tasks

Qualifications:

• Enjoy working with others, comfortable initiating conversation and including others
• Patient, friendly and fun; comfortable in a non-competitive, inclusive environment
• Have some experience communicating with older adults
• Be physically able to participate in the physical activity component of the program
• Commit to program at 8 week intervals
• Organized and pay attention to detail
• Reliable and able to follow instructions

Assets:

• Aware of the aging process
• Have basic knowledge and experience with dementia – training will be provided
• Experience working with persons with dementia and their care partners
• Physical activity or therapeutic recreation background

Time commitment:

• Three hours/week for eight-ten weeks:
• 30 minute set up, 2 hour program, 30 minute take down, clean up and de-brief.
• Programs run at least three times per year – trained volunteers are encouraged to return to assist with programs held throughout the year.

Orientation/training:

Volunteers will receive:

• Orientation to local Alzheimer Society and volunteer policies and procedures (approximately one hour)
• Orientation to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (approximately three hours)
• Orientation to Minds in Motion® and specific role (approximately one hour)
• Access to Society’s more advanced dementia training (if applicable)

Supervision:

There will be on site supervision and de-briefing lead by the Minds in Motion® Coordinator.

A Police Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening is required for all volunteers. For those under the age of 18, parental or guardian approval is required.