Volunteer Recognition 2022

Volunteer Recognition – February 2022

Featuring – Gary Dumbleton

The Grand River Council on Aging (GRCOA) is proud to celebrate Gary Dumbleton as the Volunteer of the Month for February 2022.

The Grand River Council on Aging has greatly benefited from Gary Dumbleton’s dedicated service since its inception. Along with helping to set up the office system, designing the GRCOA website, troubleshooting, donating computers and much of his time, he continues to ensure that the administrative and virtual community runs smoothly.

Gary has been providing services in computer technology for over 35 years, as the Owner and Operator of GWD Computer Systems. Throughout his career, he also worked as a Professor at Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, where he trained graphic designers and was the Administrator for the Microsoft Certified Engineering Program. His diverse skill set has also led Gary to work with the Regional Municipality of Halton and the City of Hamilton in the field of graphics and information technology.

Dedicated to community service, Gary has provided consultation to various community projects which increased accessibility throughout our city. Included was the planning, development and implementation of the first computer lab at W. Ross McDonald School providing resources for visually challenged students to speak to computers by way of a screen reader. He is also an active amateur radio operator and has a complete weather station that provides accurate forecasts, live weather, and radar maps to our community.

It is with sincere gratitude that the Grand River Council on Aging acknowledges his steadfast presence and contribution. Thank you, Gary, for helping the GRCOA build an age friendly community and promote the voice of Elders.

Volunteer Recognition – January 2022

Featuring – Kim Sheehan

The Grand River Council on Aging (GRCOA) is proud to celebrate Kim Sheehan as the Volunteer of the Month for January 2022

Kim joined the Grand River Council on Aging at the end of June 2021 as the Grand River Community Health Center Representative on the Board of Directors. She has already participated in the Grand Parade in 2021 and is a member of the Communication Education Sub Committee.

Born and raised in Hamilton and now making Brant her home, she spent considerable time in this area during her youth as her father flew experimental aircraft out of the Brantford airport. She is pleased to be part of the community and the GRCOA.

Kim brings extensive knowledge to the Grand River Council on Aging as a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science from McMaster and a Master of Science from Brock University.  She has almost 20 years of experience in Primary Care, Hospital, Private Sector and Government, from across Canada. She is currently the Director of Primary Care and Community Health at Grand River Community Health Centre. Her work focuses on ensuring timely access to primary health care under a model that addresses the social, economic, and environmental issues that can have impact on a person’s health and wellbeing. This is especially evident for those in our community who are our most vulnerable clients and have traditionally faced barriers to accessing health care services.

When Kim is not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her adult children, friends, and her pets. She stays active by enjoying all things in the outdoors, painting and she also loves to travel.

It is with sincere appreciation that the Grand River Council on Aging acknowledges Kim’s experience and knowledgeable service in assisting the GRCOA in promoting the voice of Elders, and building an age friendly community.