Accès Volunteer Action Centre looking for community volunteers for their various programs

Sophie Demers

The Accès Volunteer Action Centre is a non-profit community organization whose mission is to support and promote volunteerism in the Aylmer community, as well as improve the quality of life through volunteer social assistance and their range of services. The services target those in need and seniors in the area.

“In a sector like Aylmer, where many people want to help their community but do not know where to start, the centre is a great resource because we can work with individuals, businesses or other organizations that wish to coordinate a new volunteer program or project,” said Julie Cool, Director of the Accès Volunteer Action Centre. “We mobilize volunteers to meet the needs in the community.”

The centre organizes day activities for seniors that allow participants to be social, participate in engaging activities, and get a home-cooked meal by volunteers.

“Especially during the pandemic, many seniors were isolated. This program gave them something to look forward to and talk to their kids and grandkids about,” said Cool. “One participant said that some might see this as just a random day, but for them it means so much.”

Their other services include transportation for seniors to medical appointments, accompaniment to grocery stores, visits and calls to isolated seniors, and free tax services for low-income individuals.

“For many seniors, if they don’t have transportation to an appointment, they often cancel and don’t go,” said Cool, highlighting the importance of the service. “Recently, the Gatineau Hospital has referenced chemotherapy to our services. Our volunteers can accompany patients throughout their appointments. This is one of our most used services.”

Cool says they currently need people willing to drive individuals to medical appointments, people who can help with their tax program, and volunteers to help cook meals for activity day participants. Those looking to get involved with the Accès Volunteer Action Centre can find more information on their website, https://www.cabacces.ca/  or stop in at the centre during their opening hours. The website also provides a detailed list of volunteer positions that are needed at the centre.

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Those in need of their services can also call the centre at 819-684-2242.

Caption: Activity Day participants at the Christmas celebration in December.
Photo: Courtesy of Accès Volunteer Action Centre