Medical and Shopping Escort Volunteer

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of lonely and isolated seniors?

Society of Sharing is seeking compassionate individuals like you to become Medical and Shopping Escort Volunteers! Due to physical frailty, disabilities such as vision or hearing impairments, and cognitive challenges, our seniors face difficulties in attending their medical appointments and accessing food, resulting in a rapid decline in their health and quality of life.

Position: Medical and Shopping Escort Volunteer

Volunteers needed: 10

Type: In-person (Downtown Toronto)

Time commitment: 2 to 5 hours per escort visit, once a week, between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday

Reports to: Program coordinator

Position summary:

As a Medical and Grocery Shopping Escort Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in helping seniors reach their medical appointments and grocery shopping destinations with dignity and confidence (or do grocery shopping on their behalf) safely and comfortably.

Volunteer duties and responsibilities:

• Escorting seniors to and from medical appointments and/or grocery stores.
• Utilizing transportation methods such as walking, public transportation, Wheel Trans, or taxi service.
• Ensuring the safety and security of the seniors during the transportation process.
• Demonstrating sensitivity to the needs and challenges faced by older adults.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Maintaining a professional and empathetic approach while working with seniors.

Volunteer skills and qualifications:

• Be 18 years old or older.
• Ability to speak English and other languages is an asset.
• Experience working with seniors is an asset.
• Possess sensitivity to the needs and challenges faced by older adults.
• Exhibit patience, compassion, and a desire to help vulnerable and isolated seniors.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Other requirements:

• Vulnerable sector check.
• Proof of full vaccination or medical exemption certificate.

Training and orientation:

• Will be provided.

Benefits:

• Give back to the community.
• Develop skills/gain new skills.
• Meet people, build your network.
• Gain experience working with seniors.
• And MANY MORE!

About Society of Sharing:

Society of Sharing is a charitable non-profit organization founded in 1981, dedicated to reducing social isolation and promoting social connection among isolated seniors. We offer various programs designed to improve the well-being of housebound clients, and we rely on our team of volunteers to provide companionship and support.

Our Mission: To improve the lives of isolated seniors in our community by connecting them with skilled volunteers who provide companionship and support.

Our Vision: To be recognized as a leader in providing skilled volunteer assistance to isolated seniors.

Our Values: We believe in the fair treatment of all persons, that seniors have the right to live with dignity and respect; committed to the effective identification and compassionate delivery of meaningful services to those in need.