St. Michael’s Centre offers a wide variety of volunteer positions. Our volunteers assist staff and encourage resident participation and enjoyment in a range of activities, as well as, increase social interaction for the residents.

The following is a sample list of volunteer positions available and some of the responsibilities involved.

Auxiliary
The Auxiliary was established in 1980 and contributes a great deal of time and resources to St. Michael’s Centre. The members focus on fundraising tasks and activities such as teas, special events and bazaars. This money then goes towards the purchase of medical equipment and therapeutic items to enhance the quality of life for residents living at the Centre. The St. Michael’s Centre Gift Shop is open Monday - Sunday and is managed by the Auxiliary as a non-profit service for residents, families, staff and volunteers. The president of the Auxiliary is also a member of the Board of Directors.

Administrative Assistant
Assist department of Volunteer Services with clerical and administrative duties: data entry, filing, typing, phone calls and special projects.

Bingo
Assist in the set-up, running and clean up for Bingo.  Help residents with the game and socialize.

Bird Care
Assist residents with the caring, feeding and cleaning of birds and bird cages.

Birthday Tea/Special Events
Escort residents to and from the dining area, assist with the serving of refreshments,
socialize and help residents enjoy the celebrations and help with clean up.

Breakfast/Lunch Club
Gather and escort residents to the program, assist staff with preparation of meal and serve to residents. Socialize with residents during the meal and help with clean up.

Bus Outings
Assist staff with residents that are boarding and leaving the bus; socialize with and escort residents during the outing.

Choir
Gather and escort residents to the program and join in with the singing and reminiscing of old songs and hymns; socialize with residents during the activity.

Fitness
Assist staff with the set-up and storage of equipment needed for fitness activities;
encourage residents to participate in the low activity exercises.

Floor Bowling
Gather residents for the program and assist staff with set-up and clean up;
encourage participation and socialize with residents.

Gardening
Assist staff with set-up, activities and clean up. Assist residents to increase their knowledge and skills through participation in the gardening experience.

Gift Shop
Assist in the Gift Shop selling small sundry and confectionary items.  Handle cash, stock shelves and socialize with residents, staff and visitors.

Homemakers
Assist with set-up and clean up and participate with residents in homemaking activities
e.g. baking, cleaning, folding, flower arrangements, washing, etc.

Horseracing
Gather and escort residents to the game location; pass around the dice and encourage resident participation.

Manicures
Socialize while providing nail care to residents (e.g. hand soak, shape nails, nail polish, hand massage); all supplies are provided.

Meditation in Motion
Create an atmosphere of relaxation and well being through adapted Tai Chi like movements and breathing exercises.

Occupational Therapist Walk Assistant
Gather residents for the walk program and assist the Occupational Therapist
by ensuring needed equipment is available.

Pastoral Care Volunteer Visitor
Visit residents for pastoral support according to denomination and/or religion.

Pet Therapy Visitor
Visit residents with your pet and share stories about the pets they once had.
Note:  Pets “must” be screened by a recognized “Animal Therapy” organization.

Saturday Games
Assist staff and participate with residents in fitness activities, e.g.  balloon toss, beach ball soccer, low-level calisthenics, stretching, etc.

Swing Time
To provide opportunities for residents to reminisce about their preferences in music, dance and entertainment.   Assist by listening to music and encourage movement in wheelchairs.

Warm Hands
Create an atmosphere of relaxation and well being through: hand massages, aromatherapy, face washing and listening to soothing music.

Weight Training
Assist Occupational Therapist in a fitness program designed to increase residents’ muscle strength.

Word Wonders
Provide an opportunity to experience reading and increased mental stimulation.
Read to the residents and encourage interaction by sharing picture books.

Worship
Encourage residents to attend and escort residents to and from the on-site Chapel. 
Visit with residents following the service.   Volunteers are also encouraged to participate in the service.