The Retired Teachers of Ontario have granted the Alzheimer’s Society of Hastings-Prince Edward $2,500 to go towards volunteers for the program.
The society is dedicated to supporting and advocating for people and families experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias and offers education on the disease.
Local District 19 of the Retired Teachers of Ontario, a national membership organization for education sector workers and retirees, granted the money which will help recruit and train volunteers for the ASHPE’s Dementia Friendly Communities program.
The program helps organizations, businesses and the public better understand the everyday experiences of people suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families or caretakers in order to better equip the general public in dealing with it.
Interim Executive Director for ASHPE, Angela Meraw, explained the function of a program like DCF.
“It helps against social isolation so that persons living with dementia and their care partners can feel comfortable going out into businesses knowing that people know what to expect and not to be afraid. To come across a situation that is unique to them and once people are aware of what to expect and how to deal with surprises, we’re more inclusive as a community.”
She said that she hopes the relationship they have developed with RTO will encourage RTO members to take on some of the volunteering positions.
RTO Community Grants Liaison David Fox said that each district in the organization was given a certain amount of money to grant and they felt that, since many of their members are around the age that many people struggle with dementia, it seemed like a good fit.
“It can work both ways, really, because our members generally may have some time to volunteer and some of our members, sadly, might be benefiting from the program, so it works either way.”
For more information on the Alzheimer’s Society of HPE you can visit their website.
