Parkinson Canada believes in a better life today for People Living with Parkinson’s, and a world without Parkinson’s tomorrow. Canada has some of the world’s highest rates, and it is growing quickly. People living with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do at Parkinson Canada. We provide education and services, and we advocate with federal, provincial, and territorial governments on issues that matter to the Parkinson’s community in Canada. The Parkinson Research Program funds innovative research to search for better treatments and a cure. People living with Parkinson’s count on us to be there at every step of their Parkinson’s journey. To learn more about us, please visit www.parkinson.ca.

About the opportunity

The Opportunity Gear up for Parkinson’s! Founded by Canadians for Canadians, The Growling Beaver invites cyclists to ride towards progress by funding research and raising awareness for Parkinson Canada. We are looking for people interested in making a difference to volunteer for our event in Collingwood, Ontario. Your Contribution Your enthusiasm and love for helping others makes you an ideal Growling Beaver volunteer. You are the type of person who would enjoy helping event participants and other volunteers excel at their tasks. There are many exciting roles to choose from on the day of the event: Set up, Registration, Rest stops and anything else that may come up.

Commitment - October 5th

6:00am - 6:00pm

Parkinson Canada is committed to inclusion, fairness, respect, human dignity, and equity. We provide accessible employment and volunteer engagement practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applications from persons with disabilities are welcomed and encouraged. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For questions or accommodation requests, please contact the Volunteer Engagement Team at volunteer@parkinson.ca

Parkinson Canada

316 – 4211 Yonge Street

Toronto, Ontario

M2P 2A9

416-227-9700 – 1-800-565-3000

Parkinson’s is a complex brain disease, and everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is different. More than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s and 30 more are diagnosed every day. There is currently no cure but, life with Parkinson’s is still possible.

At Parkinson Canada, people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do. Parkinson Canada is at an exciting time of transformation, where we are aiming to be the “go to” connector and guide for people living with Parkinson’s. We strive to inspire and empower people living with Parkinson’s to thrive through tailored programs, innovative research and raising the voice of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s through our advocacy efforts.

If you want to make a positive impact on the lives of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s, work with passionate, dedicated people where diversity and inclusion is celebrated and partner with great organizations that have the same goal then we look forward to meeting you!

The Opportunity

The Support Group Facilitator plays a critical role in the delivery of support services at community level. Once a month, they create a confidential and welcoming in-person or virtual space, where people living with Parkinson’s and/or their care partners can share their experiences and develop supportive relationships in a group setting. The time commitment for this opportunity is 3 – 5 hours per month.

Your Contribution

As a Support Group Facilitator, you bring a keen desire to make a difference in the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s. Your empathetic approach, enthusiasm for learning, and ability to facilitate discussion about issues related to Parkinson’s are key factors in ensuring that monthly support groups are safe spaces.

What is Needed to Succeed in this Role

• Compassion and a non-judgemental approach to supporting people
• Strong communication skills including active listening Ability to facilitate discussions that put the voices of those living with and affected by Parkinson’s at the centre
• Commitment to model inclusion and respect for diversity
• Love of learning
• Ability to carry out administrative tasks and provide promotional support
• Proficient with technology
• If in person able to commute to venue and complete lite set up and tear down activities. May need to lift 5-10 lbs.
• Daytime availability Monday - Friday to accommodate support group meeting schedule

Commitment

One support group meeting per month (1-1.5 hours per month), plus 3-5 hours monthly for administrative and organizational tasks. Stability is essential for Support Groups so a commitment of at least one year is appreciated.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete a Volunteer Profile and register for a Support Group Facilitator Information Session, available at: http://pcsupportgroups.parkinsoncanada.volunteerhub.com/

Resumes are strongly encouraged.

Parkinson Canada is committed to inclusion, fairness, respect, human dignity, and equity. We provide accessible employment and volunteer engagement practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applications from persons with disabilities are welcomed and encouraged. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  Please note that the selected candidate will be required to pass a standard Criminal Record Check.