Communic-ACTION is an organization based in the Haut Saint Laurent that offers services to seniors 65 and up who have lost their autonomy but are still living at home. The mission of this organization is to “break the isolation of seniors living alone at home,” says Lynn McWhinnie, the general manager of Communic-ACTION. They do this by providing services that let seniors stay in their homes for as long as possible.
Some of the services they offer include “Transportation for errands (groceries, hairdresser – anything except medical transport); we offer home and/or phone visits, and we organize activities for our members,” McWhinnie says. These services are made possible by volunteers from the community. “The Communic-ACTION project would not exist without our volunteers. They make possible the services we offer by providing transportation (they are reimbursed for their kilometre expenses) as well as visiting those who are home alone,” she adds.
National Volunteer Week is April 27-May 3 this year and is a great time to acknowledge and thank the volunteers who consistently donate their time to causes that help the community. Many organizations in the region rely heavily on the generosity of volunteers to keep them afloat. Volunteers are part of the backbone of the community. To celebrate, Communic-ACTION is hosting an activity for their members at the Huntingdon United Church on April 30.
McWhinnie acknowledges that the Valley is “rich in generous and compassionate citizens” who volunteer to make their community a better place. “Without volunteers, many of our community organizations would cease to exist, or be very limited in their ability to provide services,” she says. It’s important to celebrate them and all that they do. “Whether it is a visit with a lonely senior, coaching a soccer team, reading a book to a youngster, sitting on the board of a local organization – all of these invaluable activities are done by volunteers,” she says.
People who are interested in volunteering with Communic-ACTION can contact them at 450-264-5197 or www.projetcommunicaction.org.