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INTRODUCTION to Volunteering with the Brain Injury Association of
Peel and Halton
Once a person with a brain injury leaves the care of the health professionals,
the greatest challenge they face is reintegrating into the community. At
this point, the families discover:
--There are limited and very expensive resource options.
--There are no simple solutions and very few people who understand what is required.
--The resources that are available are not easily accessed without
assistance.
Thank you for your interest in the Brain Injury Association of Peel and Halton.
The Brain Injury Association of Peel and Halton is a group that is working
to provide a supportive environment to the survivors and families who live
with the effects of Brain Injury.
--More than 15,000 persons a year suffer a brain injury in Ontario.
--Due to recent medical advances, there has been an increase in the rate of
survival of a person with a brain injury.
--The realization that a brain injury has life long effects has just begun
to be recognized.
Geographically, the Peel Halton Region is widespread and growing. It
includes the communities of Brampton,
Burlington,
Halton Hills, Milton, Mississauga, Oakville, and they all fall out of the
reach of the support provided in Greater Toronto.
We hold information nights during the month where various guest speakers discuss
services, issues and provide members with valuable information. We usually
have a Social & Leisure Group that meets to have some fun. This is
determined by the number of interested members, so let us knows your
availability and preferred activities.
Our magazine was started in November 1996 and we publish 4 issues a
year. Our main social event is the Annual Christmas Dinner & Dance held
every year at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #609 in Brampton. The Ladies Auxiliary cooks and
serves a delicious three-course meal and our regular DJ's play music during
the entire evening for our enjoyment. Take a look at the party photos in
the first Broadcaster published each year. Watch our calendar for November 17, 2007 and
call our office for reservations (905)823-2221.
Fundraisers over the past few years have included a Bowl-a-Thon,
Positive-Steps-A-Thon (a walk/run held in Milton), Spirits of Life Auction along
with attending a number of community functions where our main interest was
educating the public on Prevention of Head Injuries. In 2005, we were
fortunate to have the Royal Bank donate the money raised at their Charity
Golf Tournament to the Brain Injury Association of Peel and Halton. The
Trillium Foundation Grants have played a part in supporting projects aimed
at building membership and creating a Resource Manual for Acquired Brain
Injury Survivors, their families, friends and caregivers.
We also have the Paul Franks Memorial
Fund, which was started by Mary Franks
in memory and honour of her son Paul who sustained a brain injury in a car
accident and who passed away in February of 1998. The family requested
donations be sent to our Association in lieu of Flowers. The Paul Franks
Memorial Fund was established to provide respite care or relief from the
routines and stress of providing constant care for an acquired brain injured
loved one. Fundraising activities are always a priority, which the staff
and Board Members plan and execute along with the participation of
volunteers.
The Brain Injury Association of Peel and
Halton depends on a Volunteer Board of
Directors who meets once a month, with the exception of July and August, to
set policies and discuss the inquiries and the general direction of the
association. At present, we have two part time paid staff members running
the day-to-day operation, Executive Director and Administrative Assistant.
Fund Raising activities are always at the top of the list of their
responsibilities and along with the participation of Board Members,
volunteers and the staff leading the way these events are planned and
executed.
We invite each prospective Board Member
to attend three monthly board of
Directors meetings. This offers an opportunity for the Board to meet the
individual as well as gives the individual information upon which to base
their consideration of accepting an invitation to join the Board. A board
member should not miss more than three meetings a year and must be willing
to participate in most fundraisers and events. Our volunteer Board is a
hands-on, working Board, making decisions, determining policies, but also
expected to contribute ideas and lend their professional and personal
talents in support of the Brain Injury Association of Peel & Halton.
Please review the Introduction
Presentation Package to gain a greater
insight into the activities of the BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF PEEL AND
HALTON.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from
you.
Most sincerely
Sandra Allmark
Executive Director
Brain Injury Association of Peel and Halton
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