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By Shane Clausing

keep in touch program

County seeking volunteers to ‘Keep in Touch’ with local seniors

Jun 12, 2021 | 7:00 AM

The County of Grande Prairie is looking for volunteers to help seniors who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness.

In June, the County will be implementing the Keep in Touch (KIT) program.

This program will pair volunteers with registered seniors for weekly one-hour telephone visits.

Dale Bond, the Home Support Coordinator with the County of Grande Prairie, says they invite anyone interested to take part.

“We are looking for people who are committed to providing one hour per week to make those phone calls to support seniors. We would like someone who has time and space in their heart to have that conversation.”

The KIT program was developed by Volunteer Lethbridge, which partnered with the Rural Development Network in 2020 to expand the program to rural communities.

The County signed on to become one of the five Alberta communities to pilot the expansion of the program.

Bond hopes this program can be a success and help seniors get the love and attention they deserve.

“We’re not sure exactly what the demand is going to be, what our goal right now is to have a strong volunteer base, so we can meet the needs that do come forward as a result of this.”

Volunteers who do sign up will also be able to pre-determine the time for the weekly call.

Those interested in signing up can do so at the County of Grande Prairie’s website or by calling the County’s Family and Community Support Services Department at 780-532-9727, Ext. 2400.

“This is a win-win situation for both volunteers and program participants,” said Bond. “Volunteers increase their sense of purpose, wellbeing and connection to the community while making seniors feel less isolated. It allows them to make a difference from their own home, one call at a time.