Volunteer Handbook

Dear Friends of Westport Senior Living (WSL),

Thank you for your interest in being a volunteer for WSL. WSL’s success depends upon dedicated, skilled, and trained group of volunteers as individuals such as yourself are critical in turning our vision into reality.

 

To assist you in your volunteer journey, we have created this Volunteer Handbook which serves as a valuable resource. It will help you understand our purpose, goals, and provide you with essential information about the WSL volunteer program.

 

We are committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments at WSL through regular training sessions and ongoing communication.

 

Your contribution of time, enthusiasm, talents, and skills is truly appreciated. We genuinely hope that your volunteer experience with WSL will be enriching, fulfilling, and leave a positive impact.

Thank you once again,

 

Kathleen Cranley, Volunteer Director and the WSL Board of Directors

WSL Volunteer Handbook

Introduction

Volunteers are an essential part of the WSL community, and we value your commitment and contributions. The Volunteer Services Committee, consisting of a board member and select WSL members, oversees our volunteer program. We continuously adapt this program based on member feedback and the skills and enthusiasm of our volunteers.

Any adult resident of the Greater Westport community is eligible to become a volunteer, and we also welcome youth volunteers aged 10-18 with parental permission.

Our Volunteer Program Aims To

  • Support WSL’s mission by providing high-quality and effective services to our members
  • Ensure that volunteers have a rewarding and positive experience
  • Foster connections between our members and volunteers to strengthen our community
  • Leverage the unique talents, skills, and experiences of our volunteers to enhance our services
  • Recognize and appreciate the valuable time, talent, and commitment offered by our volunteers

Benefits for Volunteers

  • Flexible voluntary assignments that can accommodate your schedule
  • Meaningful opportunities to support and assist your neighbors
  • Ongoing training and regular updates to keep you informed
  • General liability and accident insurance coverage
  • Website support whenever you need it

To become a volunteer, please complete the application form found in this handbook (page 7) or on the WSL website. Once your application is processed, a member of the Volunteer Services Committee will reach out to you to arrange a training session. During the training, we will cover various topics, including how to use the website for service requests.

As part of the application process, we require a background check every four years. Additionally, volunteer drivers will need to undergo an annual Motor Vehicle Record check.

For a comprehensive overview of volunteer service opportunities, please refer to the Volunteer Service Opportunities. We frequently identify upcoming volunteer opportunities in our regularly published Newsletters. Our services are typically expected to be completed within two hours or less and encompass transportation (may be longer), comfort and support, household assistance, technology assistance, event assistance, and WSL’s operational activities.

Thank you for considering volunteering with WSL. Your dedication will undoubtedly make a positive impact on our community.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. What is WSL?
A not-for-profit corporation that promotes enriched, vibrant, and independent lives for seniors in an area that extends well into the 3 municipalities surrounding the Village of Westport.

02. How much time will I need to commit?
Most tasks require two hours or less. You may accept as many assignments as you choose.

03. Can I decline a request?
Yes, if you don’t feel comfortable or qualified, or are unavailable at the time of the request.

04. Who do I report to?
You will report to a Volunteer Committee Co-Chair or the Administrative Manager.

05. Do I use my own equipment?
You will use your own car for transportation, and homeowners usually provide necessary equipment like ladders or garden tools.

06. Who supplies materials?
Households requesting services are responsible for providing any required materials.

07. Is there a volunteer orientation session? How long is it?
Every WSL Volunteer is required to participate in an orientation session. The session may be in person, virtual, or over a telephone. Typically, the orientation is less than sixty minutes.

08. Who can volunteer?
Anyone 18 years or older can apply, while younger students may apply with parental permission and supervision.

09. Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering with WSL gives you the opportunity to meet your neighbors, share your skills and interests, and improve the quality of life for members of your community.

10. What types of services does WSL offer?

WSL Volunteer Code of Ethics

As a volunteer, you are expected to agree and uphold the following code of ethics:

  • Maintain the confidentiality of WSL members at all times.
  • Respect members’ privacy, cultural, religious, and political views.
  • Receive assignments from WSL directly, not from members.
  • Perform only the requested service during each assignment. Minor requests may be performed at the volunteer’s discretion.
  • Refrain from offering professional advice to members.
  • Decline any form of payment for volunteer assignments or thereafter.
  • Immediately contact WSL if you have concerns regarding the health or safety of a member.

We hope this information helps you find the volunteer opportunity that suits you best.

Please do not hesitate to contact our Volunteer Director if you seek further information.

​If you have even an hour now and then to drive to the grocery store, change a lightbulb, deliver a meal, walk a dog or make a telephone call, you can make a difference!  You’ll not only make life easier for a neighbour, but meet new friends and know that you are joining a team that is making an important contribution to the community. 

All volunteer services offered by WSL are designed to be completed in two hours or less. Here are the different opportunities available:

1. Driver:

As a driver, you will provide rides to and from appointments, events, or other requested destinations for WSL members. You will need a valid driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance on an annual basis. Your vehicle should be in good working order and comfortable for passengers, especially those with limited mobility. Gas expenses will be your responsibility, but parking fees will be covered by the passenger. Mileage incurred during a service may be covered by the kilometre in certain circumstances. You may also be asked to assist with grocery shopping, medical appointments, or running errands.

2. Comfort and Support:

In this role, you will provide special attention to WSL members, particularly those who live alone. Your tasks may include daily or weekly visits, morning check-ins via phone, text, or email, and companionship activities such as chatting, playing games, reading aloud, or joining members in social or educational activities. You will play a vital communication link between members and their family and friends.

3. Household Assistance:

As a volunteer in this role, you will provide practical help with routine tasks in members’ homes. This may include changing light bulbs, smoke alarm batteries, taking out trash and recycling, organizing storage, assisting with laundry, and other similar tasks. Some requests may require additional skills or strength, such as moving furniture, hanging pictures, or fixing broken latches. Light yard work and temporary pet assistance may also be requested. Members will provide any necessary materials or parts.

4. Technology Assistance:

If you have a good understanding of personal and household devices like cell phones, tablets, computers, and televisions, you can assist members with basic technology needs. This may involve helping set up new devices, programming cell phones, providing instructions on using various features, or assisting with television setup. You don’t need to be a professional, just knowledgeable in these areas.

5. Planning and Governance:

WSL is managed and run by volunteers, and there are opportunities to get involved in various committees such as Finance, Marketing and Communication, Membership, Programs, and Volunteer Services. These committees meet monthly for one to two hours, with additional time required for assigned tasks. The Board, consisting of different positions, is also open to members interested in contributing their managerial, financial, marketing, communications, or technology skills. Board members serve a two-year term and attend monthly meetings.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with WSL. To apply, please complete

the APPLICATION FORM.

This application may be directly downloaded from our website.