MS Society needs help with flower sales
The following are volunteer opportunities in Kitchener-Waterloo. For more information, call the Volunteer Action Centre in Kitchener at 519-742-8610 or check the website at www.volunteerkw.ca.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society will be selling carnation flowers at LCBO stores in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge on Saturday, May 13. We are seeking volunteers to help sell from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and/or 2 to 4 p.m. Volunteers who can drive the flowers to or from the LCBO are also requested. Volunteer drivers are also needed to deliver flower orders to community locations including seniors’ homes, churches and restaurants, on May 12 and May 13. The carnation campaign is a national campaign raising money at the local level to provide services to people living with MS and aid in research to find better treatment options or a cure. Please contact Sandra at sandra.clarke@mssociety.ca or 519-569-8789 ext. 3198.
Volunteer at Kitchener Public Library this summer: Teens entering Grades 9 to 12 are invited to share a few hours of their time to help us create exciting programs for children. If you enjoy working with kids of all abilities, like helping others and are willing to develop your leadership skills, then volunteer with us this summer. In return, you will collect community service hours for high school, boost your resumé and have fun. You can help make our children’s programs a great success, inspire a young reader by being a Read Buddy and/or register kids for our new online summer reading club. Apply online by Saturday, May 27 at www.kpl.org/volunteer or contact Sherry at volunteer@kpl.org or 519-743-0271 ext. 275.
Thresholds Homes and Supports Inc. is welcoming nominations for the board of directors. As a board member you will play a critical role in helping to steer the organization in its service to those with needs related to their mental health, housing and well-being. Time commitment involves preparation and attendance at monthly meetings, committee leadership and participation. For more information please go to www.threhsoldssupports.ca. If you are interested in exploring this volunteer opportunity, please submit a letter of interest or resumé by April 14 to president@thresholdssupports.ca. To find a volunteer opportunity that suits you, search United Way’s online volunteer opportunities database at www.uwcambridge.on.ca and click on the Volunteer Centre tab, or call 519-621-1030.
Focus on Volunteering: April 2017 — Compassionate volunteer donates three decades of his time
Did you know that one in 10 people in the community struggle to keep food on the table? For over 35 years, the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank has been playing a significant role in helping local residents fulfil their basic needs. More than 2,000 individuals and families in the area are helped each month through various programs. Even though the food bank employs several full- and part-time staff, volunteers are vital to their success. Every year, over 2,500 volunteers contribute their time and energy to the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank.
According to the staff at the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank, Gord Jackson brings a skill that you either have or you don’t, something that can’t be trained or taught: compassion and empathy for others. For 30 years, Gord has been devoted to community development, working with youth in Canada and Poland.
His passion for helping others is what has led him to volunteer with the food bank. As a volunteer in the emergency hamper room, Gord helps individuals and families meet their daily food needs and he does it with respect and free of judgment. In recognition of his service, he recently received a well-deserved award for Outstanding Volunteer Leadership at United Way’s annual Community Achievement Night.
When asked what he enjoys most about working in the emergency hamper room, Gord replied that it is the contact he has with clients and the team of volunteers who work alongside him. We thank Gord and the many volunteers like him who devote themselves to volunteer work in our community.