Looking for a way to give back? Here are several opportunities

The following are volunteer opportunities in Waterloo Region. For more information, call the Volunteer Action Centre at 519-742-8610 or check the website at www.volunteerkw.ca.

• Kitchener Public Library delivers: Visiting Library is a free service that brings the joy of reading to individuals living in Kitchener who are unable to come to the library themselves due to health and mobility restrictions. Each month, we visit readers who reside in private homes, and nursing and retirement sites. The Visiting Library program is made possible by the generosity of dedicated volunteers who want to help others enjoy the pleasures of reading. If you want to get involved, contact Sherry at sherry.erb@kpl.org or visit www.kpl.org/volunteer.

• Volunteer coaches are needed for the Letters, Sounds and Words program, offered by Strong Start. This 10-week program used in elementary schools helps five- to seven-year-old children develop early reading skills through activities and games. Enjoy a rewarding experience by giving 30 minutes each week with one child. Training is provided by Strong Start. To start volunteering, contact an elementary school that is using the program. For more information, including the list of schools running the program, please visit strongstart.ca or email info@strongstart.ca.

• City of Cambridge is looking for Friendly Visitor Program volunteers to provide telephone visits for clients by regular contact. Telephone calls are made from the Friendly Visiting Program offices under the supervision of staff. Engage clientele in friendly conversation with opportunities for reminiscing. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Good interpersonal and communication skills are an asset; hours are flexible. To find out more, contact Jennifer at 519-740-4681, ext. 4410 or go to www.cambridge.ca/volunteer.

• MCC Ontario has an exciting new volunteer opportunity for someone with retail sales skills. Our Market Place volunteer will be responsible for creating and overseeing a monthly pop-up market in the atrium at 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener. This market will sell products created through MCC Social Enterprise programs including Niska Artisan products, handmade bags and blankets, Raw Carrot soup and Growing Hope Farm fresh produce. For more information, contact Jenn at 519-7458458, ext. 227 or jennklassen@mcco.ca.

• Frontier College is a national literacy organization that believes literacy is a right. We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help out with youth homework programs and reading circles in Kitchener and Waterloo this fall. Volunteer tutors will work with learners one-on-one or in small groups, providing academic support in an informal and encouraging environment. Training is provided. Evening and Saturday opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Emily at 519-496-3079 or waterloo@frontiercollege.ca.

• The 21st Annual Royal Medieval Faire takes place on Sept. 15. The Faire relies on dedicated volunteers to bring the festival to life; they have a wide range of volunteer opportunities the day of the event ranging from setup and teardown to running of games. To find out more, visit www.royalmedievalfaire.org or email volunteers@royalmedievalfaire.org.