The Canadian Red Cross Simcoe Muskoka branch is seeking residents of Barrie, Ontario to join its Friendly Visitor program. Through the Volunteer Barrie Network listing (Position ID: V-BAR0229), the branch aims to recruit 60 volunteers in the region, including 15 specifically for the City of Barrie. Volunteers will help reduce social isolation by spending time with older adults in person or by phone.
Volunteers commit to at least one hour each week and to a long-term placement (more than one year). Duties include in‑home companionship, performing regular outbound phone calls (part of a Telephone Assurance approach), reporting any health or safety concerns to the supervisor, and providing monthly activity reports to program supervisors.
This recruitment push follows the Simcoe Community Connector Project, which was recognized in March 2023 after the Canadian Red Crosss Simcoe Muskoka branch received a $136,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (the grant was awarded in 2022). “With this funding the Canadian Red Cross continues its commitment to making sure older residents in Simcoe are receiving essential programs and services to support their health and safety,” said Liane Fernandes, vice‑president, Ontario Operations for the Canadian Red Cross.
According to the 2021 Census, Simcoe Countys population grew by 11.2% between 2016 and 2021. Provincial population projections indicate the number of seniors in Simcoe County is expected to increase by more than 70% between 2024 and 2051. Community volunteers in Barrie can help fill gaps in senior supports and serve as an early line of contact that may relieve pressure on formal care providers.
Interested applicants can find full details and an online application through the Friendly Visitor listing on InfoBarrie (Position ID: V-BAR0229). New volunteers will receive orientation and training and ongoing support from Program Coordinator Heather Stone and the Community Support Services team based at 65 Cedar Pointe Dr, Unit 809B, Barrie, ON L4N 5R7.
