In honour of Volunteer Week 2024, we wanted to profile a volunteer who has been a wonderful asset to our team for years, Janice Daitchman. She is passionate about our cause and volunteers her time and talent tirelessly. She has helped Baycrest on our mission to defeat dementia as our organization works to create a world where every older adult enjoys a life of purpose, inspiration and fulfillment. Janice has helped us to find granting and Foundation prospects that have made transformational gifts to our organization, thanks to her know-how and detail-oriented approach. The Foundation is very fortunate to be able to count on Janice for her amazing skill set and dedication. Below we asked if she would share a few words on her experience as a volunteer with Baycrest.
What inspired you to become a volunteer at Baycrest?
Upon retirement as a Business Analyst in the Not-for-profit sector for 20+ years, I knew that I wanted to continue the work that I loved on a volunteer basis. Based on my review of several charities and a family member’s personal experience as an outpatient, I felt that Baycrest met my criteria as an impressive Not-for-profit organization with money being well spent on senior care/rehab as well as brain health-focused research and programs.
What has been your most rewarding experience as a Baycrest volunteer?
When volunteering in person on campus, I had to walk through the atrium to get to the foundation office. Whenever I saw residents engaging in the regular participatory performances and the specialized art programs, my heart felt full knowing that there is funding available for these Quality of Life Improvement Programs.
How did you get yourself involved as a volunteer at Baycrest? What can others do to get involved as a volunteer at Baycrest?
I got involved simply by reaching out to the director of volunteer services at the time and explained that I was interested in volunteering for Baycrest in the foundation office. I outlined my previous experience and asked if there was a suitable role for me at the Foundation.
I suggest that anyone interested in volunteering at Baycrest, get in touch to discuss what volunteer opportunities might be a good fit for you, you can reach their Volunteer Services Department at 416-785-2500 ext. 2572 or by emailing volunteer@baycrest.org
What skills and competencies do you need to be a volunteer at Baycrest?
From my perspective, the greatest competency required is compassion and the ability to learn.
How has volunteering at Baycrest impacted your personal life?
Volunteering at Baycrest has impacted my personal life on so many levels:
Firstly, it has allowed me to stay relevant and productive in my senior years. More recently, my volunteer work at the Foundation has propelled me forward during a very difficult time as I recently suffered a seemingly catastrophic hemorrhagic stroke (and truly learnt how important brain health is).
Working remotely for the foundation office has allowed me to exercise my brain/cognitive abilities while “paying it forward” for all the help I received from healthcare professionals during my rehabilitation process.
Thanks for taking the time to read about Janice's volunteer journey with Baycrest, if this inspired you to get involved
get in touch with our volunteer team today.