Alpha 1 Canada

What services does your organization provide?
Alpha-1 Canada offers a number of programs and services for patients, their families and caregivers and the medical community.
Hot Line (1-888-669-4583)
Support groups across Canada
Patient Education Days
Educational webcasts
Facilitation of one-on-one peer-to-peer support
Print materials for patients, caregivers and family members
Print materials for physicians and allied healthcare professionals
Promotion of wellness and self-management in healthcare programs and services including smoking cessation, nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle changes
Promotion of and information on testing, early detection and treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Advocacy for equitable and affordable access through provincial government reimbursement for alpha-1 antitrypsin augmentation therapy
Advocacy for federal government policies addressing orphan drugs, rare diseases, access to treatment, quality healthcare and genetic non-discrimination
Liaison with and participate in other patient and healthcare organizations, like the Canadian Alpha-1 Registry, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Thoracic Society, American Alpha-1 groups, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, Lung Associations, Ontario Respiratory Care Society, COPD Canada and the Canadian Network for Respiratory Care
Provide a range of collaborative services to healthcare professionals including consultative participation in policy forums and referrals for patients to researchers for clinical trial recruitment.
Investigate, create and implement on-going methods for organizational growth, data collection and healthcare management. Our goal for this event
to help raise awareness and funds for liver and lung transplants
to help raise awareness and funds for our kid's program, "A-1 Kids"
to raise funds to meet our community's healthcare needs

Do you have any age requirements?
We have many volunteer opportunities that will cover all ages and a list can be provided upon request. For this current event opportunity it will be 19 years of age or older during the event which will consist of helping with auction, games, tear down, set up, etc. and over 16 to help with set up and decorations

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
English is mandatory but French would be an asset.

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
For the event, we will have a Volunteer Meet for a couple of hours on May 7th and then a volunteer meet and greet closer to the event. The event itself starts at 5 and ends at 1 a.m. The Set up may be the day before and the day of. If you would like a committee role it will be aprox 2 hours every two weeks. For all other opportunities such as marketing, etc. please contact for further details

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?
Police clearance or references are required. A volunteer form will need to be filled out as well.

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
Not for the event day volunteer. Experience is always an asset though

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
Event day which consists of set up, tear down, assisting with games and selling tickets, auction process and decorating. We also have committee opportunity available. We have a list of volunteer opportunities available that include marketing, translation, IT etc. that can be provided.

Do you provide training for volunteers?
We will have a volunteer meeting which consists of all interested volunteers and current volunteers to discuss the event and the organization. As well a Meet and Greet which will have staff and volunteers get together prior to the event (testing the games is always a fun addition)

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
Marketing, IT, social media assistance, events, graphic design, etc a list can be provided

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Alpha 1 Canada?
They will acquire new talents and experiences. The volunteers have the satisfaction that they are helping Alpha-1 patients and their families who need transplants as well as help to raise funds for the children's program

Do you accept high school students?
We would have to interview them before volunteering.