Helps kids learn to skate
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.
Adaptive ice skating coaches needed to support SkateABLE one hour per week from October to December at Albert McCormick Arena. Coaches will assist skaters with physical disabilities learning to skate for the first time. All volunteers must have a strong skating background. Training is provided. Contact Lisa at lisa@skateable.ca or 519-6031989 for more information and to register.
Support children who are new to Canada and provide them an enriching experience at a community-based preschool program at Our Place Family Resources and Early Years Centre. This position is good experience for volunteers who are interested in working with new Canadian children or considering a career in a teaching field. Volunteers will work with children ages newborn to six years in a classroom setting; assisting and interacting with children in a play-based environment, which is childcentred. Program runs from July 4 to Aug. 2 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. There are four openings available; please email Bonnie at bcaza@ourplacekw.ca to apply.
House of Friendship’s Sunnydale Community Centre is looking for a Thursday relief volunteer to provide relief support either half or full day on Thursdays. The volunteer will organize morning food distribution, welcome new visitors and open and lock up the centre among other duties. This is an ongoing position. Excellent interpersonal skills required and ability to work well with diverse cultures. Must be able to lift 25 pounds. For details please see posting on volunteerkw.ca; for further questions please contact Diana at 519-742-8327 ext. 136 or dianab@houseoffriendship.org. 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: July 2017 — Volunteers provide important services to the community
The United Way works with organizations in the Waterloo Region to ensure that community members and neighbourhoods have the support and resources they need to feel safe, and to care for one another.
Volunteers are out in the community on a daily basis, making social connections and bringing important services to those who need it most. They are improving the lives of their neighbours and strangers alike, and are building inclusive and thriving neighbourhoods in the process. There are several local community centres and neighbourhood associations who rely on volunteers to help people of all ages expand their bodies and minds, as well as cultivate feelings of community pride.
Tiffany Hilker has been volunteering at the Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre since May 2015. Since she started, she has donated over 240 hours of her time and talents at our welcome desk. Some of Tiffany’s duties include greeting visitors, answering phones and assisting staff with various administrative tasks.
Why is she volunteering? Tiffany was looking for something to do beyond watching TV at home. She had previous reception experience from volunteering at Community Living Cambridge and ARC. Tiffany connected with Greenway through the Volunteer Centre at the United Way and was accepted to be a part of the Volunteer Team at GreenwayChaplin Community Centre.
Tiffany says “I would recommend volunteering at Greenway to anyone. I enjoy answering phones, providing information and helping staff with admin tasks. Come join the team at Greenway!”