It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week! It's our chance to highlight the contributions of those who help MedicAlert come to life in their communities.
We’d like to introduce Jaka, who recently joined our team at the Wellness Fair at Sackville Hill Senior Centre in Hamilton, Ontario. This event focused on resources for adults 55 and older and was the perfect setting for Jaka to learn about the impact of MedicAlert’s Safe & Found Program in her community. As a newcomer to Canada, Jaka was drawn to volunteer with MedicAlert because of our team. "I met the MedicAlert team at an event held at our local YMCA. I was impressed by how approachable they were," Jaka said, recalling her initial meeting with Peter Lawrence, MedicAlert’s Manager of Volunteer and Community Engagement., This experience motivated her to get involved. "If we want to make the world a better place, we need to get involved with organizations like MedicAlert that are already doing good work. By volunteering, we can make a positive impact and help improve the lives of others."
As a first-time volunteer, Jaka was a bit nervous before the event at the Seniors Centre got underway. Her hesitation melted away as she watched Peter and his MedicAlert teammate Jennifer Cuthbert, Manager of First Responder Partnerships and Community Engagement, connect with the crowd. “Peter and Jenn made everyone so comfortable. The conversations were important but lighthearted laughter filled the air, and the time just flew by.”
Jaka was struck by the team's focus, not emphasizing a person’s health issues, but how a MedicAlert subscription and ID can be empowering. Her experience at the Wellness Fair was enlightening, especially learning about MedicAlert's Safe & Found Program. "I learned about the organization and what it does for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The research aspect in this area is amazing. What struck her most was learning more about MedicAlert’s No Child Without Program and the Students Assisting Friends Everywhere curriculum being taught in schools across Ontario, including in her own city. “I like that it safeguards kids with chronic health conditions and promotes inclusivity.”
One of the most memorable moments for Jaka at the Wellness Fair was her conversation with a woman who shared her story about being hospitalized due to stress. "She emphasized the importance of reducing stress," Jaka reflected. "I thought it was my job as a volunteer to teach people about MedicAlert, which I did. But in this particular case she told us not to put too much pressure on ourselves and to stay calm." This advice resonated with Jaka and highlighted the personal growth and learning that also comes with volunteering.
Jaka hopes to see MedicAlert expand its reach and impact. "I'd like to see MedicAlert continue its research efforts with institutions and partnerships with first responders," she said, underlining the importance of awareness and collaboration at the community level. Jaka also sees potential in engaging younger audiences through platforms like TikTok to encourage them to share information about MedicAlert's vital services with their parents and peers.
As we celebrate our volunteers throughout the week, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jaka and all who dedicate their time to support our mission.
If Jaka's story inspires you, we invite you to join us as a volunteer at our future events. Your efforts are crucial in helping us provide life-saving medical information to those in need.
