Volunteering at Highview: “It’s So Worth It”
by Joy Birch, President, Highview Residences
When the opportunity to volunteer at Highview came up, Joanne Hammerton knew it felt right.
“My mother had dementia,” she shares. “I was recently retired. I had the time—and I wanted to use my experience in a meaningful way.”
Alongside her personal journey, Joanne brought years of professional experience as an epidemiologist at Western University’s Faculty of Nursing. Volunteering became a way to bring something positive forward from a deeply personal chapter of her life.
She knew she couldn’t return to the home where her mom had lived—it felt too close, too soon. But after giving herself space, she found her way to Highview London, where she now volunteers.
“It was hard visiting my mom and seeing how things had changed,” Joanne says. “But at Highview, I’m meeting people as they are now. There isn’t that same sense of loss. I’m just there to spend time with them—to be present.”
“I Just Try to Make It a Fun Time”
One of Joanne’s first roles was helping with the weekly Salon Social.
For many people in the Home, it’s a familiar rhythm—something that feels social, light, and enjoyable.
“My mom was from the generation where going to the salon was part of life,” Joanne says. “It wasn’t just about hair—it was about connection.”
When asked if she’d like to be involved, Joanne laughed.
“Are you kidding? This is my dream.”
While she’s quick to note she’s not a professional stylist, that’s not the point.
“I just try to make it a fun time.”
She plays music she knows people will enjoy. She chats. She laughs. She creates a space that feels easy and familiar.
“It’s really about the interaction,” she says. “That’s what matters.”
Finding Moments of Connection
Outside of the salon, Joanne moves naturally through the Home—joining in wherever she’s needed.
“If someone is watching a movie, I’ll sit with them and ask about it. If there’s a puzzle, I’ll ask if I can help. Any point of connection—that’s what I’m aiming for.”
Sometimes that connection is quiet.
She recalls one person who has never spoken to her.
“But I can see it in her eyes. There’s a connection there. You can feel it. And that’s enough.”
Supporting Daily Moments
Joanne also supports people during mealtimes.
“I try to make it feel like a normal experience,” she says. “Not just something to get through.”
Even simple moments—sitting together, sharing a meal, offering presence—can make a meaningful difference.
Learning to Appreciate the Small Things
Volunteering has changed how Joanne sees everyday life.
“It teaches you to slow down,” she says. “To appreciate the little things.”
Moments of music.
A smile.
A shared conversation—even if it’s brief.
“It brings me joy to see people enjoying those moments.”
A Place That Feels Like Home
Joanne still remembers her first visit to Highview.
“It just felt warm,” she says. “It didn’t feel clinical. It felt like a home.”
The open kitchen, the smaller gathering spaces, the natural flow of daily life—it all contributes to a sense of familiarity and ease.
Supported Every Step of the Way
For Joanne, one of the most important parts of volunteering is knowing she is supported.
“If I ever have a question, I know someone is there. The communication is open.”
The team feels the same.
“Having Joanne here at Highview London is like a burst of sunshine,” shares the General Manager. “She connects so naturally with people. We’re incredibly grateful for her—and for all of our volunteers.”
“It’s So Worth It”
For anyone considering volunteering, Joanne’s message is simple:
“It’s so worth it.”
Yes, there are moments that can feel hard. But when you meet people where they are—when you let go of expectations—there is so much connection and meaning to be found.
Volunteer With Highview
Volunteers are an important part of daily life at Highview.
Whether it’s sharing a conversation, helping with activities, or simply being present—these moments matter.
At Highview Lucan, this takes on an added layer. As an intergenerational home, Lucan brings together seniors, adults living with neurodiversity or developmental differences, and people who may need additional support in daily life—all within one shared community. It creates more opportunities for connection, contribution, and meaningful relationships across generations.
If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering, we would love to hear from you:
Kitchener
recreationkw@highviewres.com
Highview offers thoughtfully arranged homes where people are supported in ways that feel familiar, calm, and truly like home.
The goal is to create a place where people are supported to live with independence, connection, and purpose in daily life.