The role of the Department of Volunteer Services is to improve the quality of life and the emotional well-being of the resident. Hundreds of volunteers give almost 30,000 hours of their time on an annual basis and are involved in all areas of the Centre where they play a vital role in enhancing the therapeutic milieu. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the department keeps abreast of the needs and concerns of the residents and their families. Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre honours the hundreds of multicultural volunteers (from 11 years old to ninety years young) whose compassion and commitment has made a difference in the lives of our residents.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Services: Patti Derstenfeld – 514-483-2121 ext. 72213
Email address: 
patti.derstenfeld@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
“Dining Assistance” program
Assist residents to eat and socialize at mealtime. 2 hour compulsory training provided. Choice of Lunch or Supper any day of the week. Minimum commitment one meal per week.
- Lunch – 11:25- 1:45 p.m.
- Dinner – 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Summer Actvities
Fiestas : Tuesdays 1-3:30 p.m.
Garden Parties: Mondays 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
BBQs and Pizza lunches: Fridays 11a.m. – 1:30
Outings: Thursdays 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Volunteer Visiting
Spend 1-2 hours per week visiting with individual residents.
Bingo
Assist Therapeutic Recreation staff with a Bingo game on Saturdays 1-3
Pet Visiting
If you have a lovable pet, you can visit together in residents’ rooms minimum 1x weekly.
Music Animation
Assist resident participation with music animator on unit
- Thursday 10 a.m. - noon
Piano Lobby Concerts
Play our Baby Grand piano in the lobby – Flexible schedule weekdays between 10-3:30 p.m.
Readers
Read to residents. Flexible schedule
Games with residents
Socialize and play card games, dominos, chess and board games with residents.
- Mid- afternoons weekdays - weekends
Dental Clinic
Accompany residents to receive dental treatment (in the Centre)
- Fridays 8:30 a.m. - till 12:15 p.m. or 1-3 p.m.
Bring residents to Synagogue Services
- Saturday 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sunday Family Concert
Accompany residents to large entertainment event on site.
- 1:30-4:00 p.m.