What You Do Makes A Difference - Many Thanks to Our Volunteers
September 26, 2017
Volunteer opportunities abound with the Children's Foundation Volunteer Program, and volunteers are treated as valued members of the organization with their own individual needs. Whether you're feeling socially isolated, want to hone up on your skills, want to learn new skills, or are looking to enhance your resume, there are opportunities for you to fulfill your goals and to feel supported along the way. September is often the month to start something new, and many volunteers are joining the various volunteer programs to not only change their lives, but to also enhance the lives of others!
We are currently recruiting volunteers in the Food & Friends Program. These volunteers are bringing healthy food to hungry minds, by providing an atmosphere of social inclusion amongst students who may otherwise feel marginalized. Students have decreased disruptive behaviours in the classroom, learn healthy eating habits, and build strong social skills.
Nicole, one of our fabulous Food & Friends volunteers, sums up her volunteer experience in the program this way.
"My volunteer contributions are appreciated financially by parents in the community who might not be able to provide nutritious meals for their children due to their circumstances. Children who otherwise might not eat breakfast do better in class and in life in general when they receive a nutritious meal. I can see positive changes in a lot of students who are involved in the breakfast program and the volunteers have helped the kids develop their social skills through their involvement. "
We are also looking for some special people to join our awesome team of volunteer elves, who rally together to help families in need for the Christmas season through our Adopt-A-Family Program. Cindy, one of our hardworking and valued volunteers says,“It’s the warm, fuzzy feeling that I get working on the program that keeps me coming back. My reward is seeing the outcome of all the hard work and so many families being supported over the holidays. That is the true meaning of Christmas to an Adopt-A-Family volunteer."
If these opportunities are not what you were looking for, perhaps you would enjoy working behind-the-scenes for our organization. We are currently looking for people to help the already remarkable volunteers that assist us in the office. What would we do without our office support volunteers? They work relentlessly to keep the wheels turning smoothly by answering phones, greeting guests, taking messages, assisting with mail-outs, maintaining general office organization, and providing support for special events. These volunteers truly deserve our recognition!
One of our office volunteers, Dawn, was looking to volunteer in an office position to both maintain her administrative skills as well as to learn new skills while looking for paid employment in her field.
"The Children's Foundation helped me fund my children's soccer and camp fees and so I felt that volunteering with this organization would be my way of 'giving back' for the help. My volunteer work has put me in a happier frame of mind and provided me with a very positive environment to get involved with the bigger picture."
Calling all volunteers who want to help out with special events! You can meet new people and have a unique experience. There are many opportunities available - SOAR, Around the World Gala, Inspiration, Rifest, Fore our Kids Golf Tournament, and Trees for Tots. There's something for everyone!
As one of our Trees for Tots volunteers Mike explains; "I was impressed with the work that the Children’s Foundation is doing locally, and felt inspired to get involved.”
Having equipment that would be of benefit to Trees for Tots, and a strong belief in volunteering for the community, he signed up as a volunteer and has been involved with Trees for Tots for the past three years. His wife, Kate, and eight-year-old daughter, Sophie, joined the team two years ago. As Mike says,"We look at it as an excellent family opportunity to contribute to a great cause and help local children."
The support of our volunteers exemplifies the culmination of an investment in the health and future of our community, an investment in brighter futures. Without your support, we wouldn't be the strong and vibrant organization that we are and will continue to be in the future.