Volunteers Make Waves
Together, we create ripples of change
#VolunteersMakeWaves #NVW2025
Celebrating Volunteer Impact at DSORC
The 2025 National Volunteer Week theme—Volunteers Make Waves—honours the powerful, collective impact of volunteers across Canada. Like a wave, volunteerism starts with one small action and builds into something greater. It moves communities. It inspires change.
At the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County (DSORC), our volunteers are the heart of what we do. Whether in-person or online, they bring empathy, creativity, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
Many are inspired by personal experiences with dementia. Others are driven by a passion to support isolated individuals and contribute to their community. One story shared can spark another’s journey into volunteering—and from there, a ripple becomes a wave.
A Year in Review: Volunteer Impact (April 2024– March 2025)
- Over 200 active volunteers
- Over 4,200 volunteer hours
- 25 programs supported by volunteers
- 5,000+ program participants supported
How Volunteers Make Waves at DSORC
Community Education & Awareness
Daisy Seed Program
Daisy Seed volunteers are often the first face of DSORC in the community. They deliver presentations, answer questions, and help people connect with vital resources and support.
“Volunteers help extend our reach, increase awareness, and create valuable connections within the community. Their efforts have directly contributed to a greater understanding of dementia, its risk factors, and the support available through our Dementia Care Coaches and programs.” – German Chique-Alfonzo, Education Coordinator
Board & Committee Members
These dedicated volunteers bring leadership, lived experience, and professional insight to guide our mission and ensure sustainability.
Peer Support & Connection
Support Groups
Volunteers assist with setup, cleanup, and group facilitation—making it possible to welcome more participants across the region.
“I am very grateful for both my volunteers and sincerely admire and appreciate their skills and dedication to supporting caregivers of loved ones with Dementia. Their great facilitation skills and relevant feedback helps to ensure our clients are receiving the best experience and their needs are met.” – Linda Armstrong, Dementia Care Coach
“I wanted to share how much I enjoyed Lauri’s presence with our group. Her theoretical knowledge combined with her related life experiences, empathy and ability to read the members assembled were greatly appreciated. Thank you.” – Support group attendee
Make a Connection Program
Through one-on-one visits, volunteers offer companionship and meaningful engagement for individuals living with dementia—creating moments of joy and reducing isolation.
Recreation & Creative Programs
Daisy Café & Café Marguerite
Volunteers lead small group activities, offer warm welcomes, and help make this program accessible across multiple sites.
Create with Paint
With the support of volunteers, Liz Spence helps participants explore their creativity and connect with others through art.
Card Crew / Crafty Crew / Creative Cards and Crafts
Led by Brenda Wilson and her team of volunteers, these programs offer both in-person and virtual crafting. Volunteers help assemble kits, guide participants, and foster connection through creativity.
Joyful Sound Choir
With Anne Longworth at the helm and her volunteer team, this 13-week choir builds community and culminates in a final performance filled with pride and joy.
Turquoise Live
Chris White and Sid Ameen volunteer their musical talents both in-person and virtually, ensuring participants can tune in however it works best for them.
Arabian Tunes
Led by Sam Himmat—with support from volunteers and by volunteering himself—this program creates space for Arabic-speaking participants to connect through music and conversation.
Music and Movement
Volunteers help participants feel welcome and supported, ensuring a meaningful experience in this collaboration with the Music and Health Research Institute.
“OMG we couldn’t function without volunteers. Not only do they help us with specific tasks but they add so much more personality and fun to our programs!” – Carolyn Puderer, Dementia Care Coach
“Volunteers play a vital role in stepping in when unexpected needs arise. Both our Lending Library and Creative Cards & Crafts programs occasionally require timely deliveries, and Stephanie has been exceptionally reliable in making those last-minute drop-offs. Her dependability ensures that participants receive the materials they need to participate in our virtual programming.” – Declan Charlton, Program Coordinator
“As the previous Program Associate and then Coordinator, I have a deep understanding that our recreational, support and educational programs are dependent on the generosity and creativity of volunteers. From facilitating to supporting, volunteers ensure that individuals living with dementia and their care partners have the space to participate comfortably and meaningfully. I sincerely appreciate their time, compassion and commitment to our community, it’s heartwarming and inspiring, hence why I wanted to begin supporting them more directly!” – Zoe Kirschner, Volunteer Coordinator
Renfrew County Programs
From Arnprior to Barry’s Bay, volunteers help bring support groups and social programming to life in smaller communities.
“Melanie is continuously sharing resources, information and support with others in her community. She brings a calm, supportive listening ear to our Deep River Coffee Club making caregivers feel welcome. I know that if I am unable to attend our group, I can confidently leave our caregivers in Melanie’s capable hands.” – Sherry Cameron, Dementia Care Coach
Behind the Scenes
Tech Support Volunteers
These behind-the-scenes champions make virtual programs accessible by helping participants navigate tech and troubleshoot issues.
Fundraising & Events
From registration to cheering on walkers, volunteers are critical to the success of community events like the Walk for Dementia.
“The Walk for Dementia was excellent and REALLY relied on volunteer energy and role fulfillment. Thank you for your dedication.” – Ana Sofia, Planning and Performance Coordinator
In Gratitude
Over the past year, volunteers have donated thousands of hours to DSORC. Their presence uplifts clients, strengthens our programs, and lightens the load for staff. They are not just supporters—they are partners in our mission. DSORC simply couldn’t do what we do without them—and we wouldn’t want to.
Thank you for helping us build a more connected, compassionate, and dementia-inclusive community.
Want to get involved?
