Why I Volunteer: A Personal Perspective

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By Arla Winstone, Dedicated Alzheimer Society Volunteer

Volunteering for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is an important aspect of life for our family. After witnessing both my father-in-law and father going through dementia, my family decided that we could help others on this journey.

My husband, Reed, began fundraising for the Society in the 1990s and volunteers or participates in most of the fundraising events. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors. Our daughter, Arden, started volunteering while in high school, working an afternoon a week in the office and volunteering at Gala and Walk events. While juggling her school and career, she continues to assist the Society whenever and however she can.

I became involved in 2015 when I started volunteering as an activity facilitator with the Minds in Motion® program. Since then, I continue to facilitate with the program, as well as create new activities for it. I have also helped out as an office volunteer, and I collaborated with Reed to organize deliveries to each 2021 Gala attendee.

The Minds in Motion program is particularly inspiring for me. I have witnessed many participants who, depressed and inhibited by their dementia, discover that they can participate in the activities, and even excel in them. The transformation in their self-esteem is amazing. I call this, “the Minds in Motion Magic.” Every time I see it happen, I am honoured to be a part of this remarkable program.

Volunteering is important to me, and I am committed to helping the Alzheimer Society. Here are some of my reasons for volunteering.

• “I Can” – I am grateful to be healthy and to have a healthy family. I do not have a serious illness, nor am I the primary caregiver for someone with a serious illness. Thus, I have the time and can volunteer.
• “It makes Cents” – Volunteering doesn’t cost me anything, and it helps the Society’s bottom line. Volunteers help to reduce administration costs, allowing more dollars to be directed to dementia care and research.
• “Paying it Forward” – When our parents were struggling with dementia, they were supported not only by the Society, but by family, friends, neighbours and strangers. By helping other families living with dementia, either directly or indirectly, I am able to continue to spread the same kindness and support that my family received.
• “It’s a Community” – I have met many new people and developed friendships while volunteering. It’s great to be a member of this wonderful community of caring people.
• “It’s Flexible” – I can determine my level of commitment, how many hours I’d like to contribute and what activities I’d like to be involved in.
• “I’m Needed” – Regardless of what I have done, gratitude for my work and time has always been there. I have always felt that I am important and valued.
• “It’s Fun!” – The Minds in Motion program is filled with laughter and fun. Not only does my volunteering bring joy to those living with dementia, their joy and happiness brings joy to me…it’s a win-win.

Please consider donating some time and joining the other volunteers at the Alzheimer Society by checking out their page on their website: https://alzheimer.mb.ca/you-can-help/volunteer/

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• “I Can” – I am grateful to be healthy and to have a healthy family. I do not have a serious illness, nor am I the primary caregiver for someone with a serious illness. Thus, I have the time and can volunteer.
• “It makes Cents” – Volunteering doesn’t cost me anything, and it helps the Society’s bottom line. Volunteers help to reduce administration costs, allowing more dollars to be directed to dementia care and research.
• “Paying it Forward” – When our parents were struggling with dementia, they were supported not only by the Society, but by family, friends, neighbours and strangers. By helping other families living with dementia, either directly or indirectly, I am able to continue to spread the same kindness and support that my family received.
• “It’s a Community” – I have met many new people and developed friendships while volunteering. It’s great to be a member of this wonderful community of caring people.
• “It’s Flexible” – I can determine my level of commitment, how many hours I’d like to contribute and what activities I’d like to be involved in.
• “I’m Needed” – Regardless of what I have done, gratitude for my work and time has always been there. I have always felt that I am important and valued.
• “It’s Fun!” – The Minds in Motion program is filled with laughter and fun. Not only does my volunteering bring joy to those living with dementia, their joy and happiness brings joy to me…it’s a win-win.

Please consider donating some time and joining the other volunteers at the Alzheimer Society by checking out their page on their website: https://alzheimer.mb.ca/you-can-help/volunteer/" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-04-08 16:48:30" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["post_title"]=> string(39) "Why I Volunteer: A Personal Perspective" ["post_type"]=> string(4) "page" ["slug"]=> string(38) "why-i-volunteer-a-personal-perspective" ["__type":protected]=> NULL ["_edit_lock"]=> string(12) "1682539546:7" ["_edit_last"]=> string(1) "6" ["_wp_page_template"]=> string(7) "default" ["ao_post_optimize"]=> array(5) { ["ao_post_optimize"]=> string(2) "on" ["ao_post_js_optimize"]=> string(2) "on" ["ao_post_css_optimize"]=> string(2) "on" ["ao_post_ccss"]=> string(2) "on" ["ao_post_lazyload"]=> string(2) "on" } ["_yoast_wpseo_content_score"]=> string(2) "30" ["_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes"]=> string(1) "3" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-04-08 16:48:30" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(38) "why-i-volunteer-a-personal-perspective" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2022-04-08 16:48:30" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-04-08 16:48:30" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["guid"]=> string(38) "https://alzheimer.mb.ca/?page_id=20120" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["meta_fields"]=> array(0) { } ["status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["custom"]=> array(6) { ["_edit_lock"]=> string(12) "1682539546:7" ["_edit_last"]=> string(1) "6" ["_wp_page_template"]=> string(7) "default" ["ao_post_optimize"]=> array(5) { ["ao_post_optimize"]=> string(2) "on" ["ao_post_js_optimize"]=> string(2) "on" ["ao_post_css_optimize"]=> string(2) "on" ["ao_post_ccss"]=> string(2) "on" ["ao_post_lazyload"]=> string(2) "on" } ["_yoast_wpseo_content_score"]=> string(2) "30" ["_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes"]=> string(1) "3" } ["pg_extra_pageboxes"]=> bool(false) ["pg_hide_pageboxes"]=> bool(false) } bool(true)