Thank you.
I ran a non-profit organization for over a year, and I was also a volunteer for a hospice. I also volunteered with respite care. I have to say that in my time with respite care, the majority of the people I supported were family members who were living with a form of dementia. I remember doing things like taking them out to shop and do things. I remember one of the people I worked with saying, “It's so nice that once a week I get to feel like a normal human being, where somebody picks me up, takes care of me for the day, and then brings me home.” So I understand the amazing work that volunteers do.
One of the concerns with this legislation is that it doesn't contain any provision to augment the capabilities of the voluntary sector through investment and training. In B.C. I know you and everyone has done so much in preparing people and preparing volunteers as well. Can you explain the importance of volunteerism to the work being done every day to support individuals and families affected by dementia?
I will take answers from anyone.