Many seniors have difficulty going to their medical appointments and going grocery shopping by themselves. Due to physical frailty and disability, vision or hearing impairment, and cognitive problems, seniors, especially those who are living alone and isolated, are forced to cancel their medical appointments and unable to access or buy food, which lead to rapid decline in health and quality of life.
For this reason, Society of Sharing is currently looking for friendly, reliable, and caring individuals like you to accompany isolated seniors to their medical appointments or to grocery shop on their behalf. You do not need your own vehicle to participate. You must be willing to commit 3 to 4 hours per escort for once a week. This program runs Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and you may perform the service on days and times at which you are available. You will be escorting seniors via walking, public transportation, Wheel Trans, or taxi service while ensuring their safety and security. TTC tokens will be reimbursable.
Created in 1981, The Society of Sharing is an incorporated, charitable, non-profit organization that provides free services to isolated, lonely and frail seniors. All their programs are designed to reduce social isolation, promote social connection, and improve the well-being of housebound clients. They recruit and train volunteers who are willing to spend time with isolated seniors and to provide companionship through a weekly visit in their homes or accompany them to their medical appointments or take them to grocery shopping, or by calling them once a week to provide reassurance.
Visit www.societyofsharing.org to learn more about Society of Sharing programs and services. To get involved as their volunteer, send an email to vrts@societyofsharing.org or call (416) 413-0380 ext 224.