Nov. 18, the West Island Men's Shed hosted two presentations for the general public, held at the West Island Community Resource Centre. 

Volunteer West Island (VWI) and West Island Citizen Advocacy (WICA) presented the numerous ways individuals could volunteer for their organizations, including everything from home visits with the elderly, assistance with filling income tax forms, driving people to appointments, and doing handyman-type tasks. 

On Nov. 25, the Alzheimer’s Society of Montreal held a presentation on the subject of dementia. Ron Hughes, who has volunteered for this organization for the past 15 years, gave a very informative talk on the difference between the cognitive decline associated with normal aging as compared to having dementia, the factors that contribute to developing dementia, major signs that indicate a person might have this disease, and ways to cope with dementia, with an emphasis on the importance of staying active physically, cognitively, and socially. 

Both presentations were attended by about 20 people.

To learn more about the history and activities of West Island’s Men’s Shed, please visit the website at www.westislandmensshed.com. If you are interested in volunteering for Volunteer West Island, Marcy Lewis or Skye Rawling can be contacted at 514-457-5445. For information about volunteering at West Island Citizen Advocacy, Tracy Caverson can be reached at 514-694-5850.