The Peterborough Examiner

First small step can help make a big impact

- LOIS TUFFIN LOIS TUFFIN IS A FORMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WITH PETERBOROU­GH THIS WEEK.

We’re in the midst of National Volunteer Month, when many local groups celebrate their amazing and dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer Peterborou­gh joins them in saluting the people who drive patients to appointmen­ts, walk orphaned dogs, cook for students, sort food donations and do so much more.

While April focuses on existing volunteers, we know that many other groups still seek new helpers. That’s why we continue on our mission to introduce volunteers to a wide variety of life-changing organizati­ons across the Peterborou­gh region.

In July, we introduced VolunteerP­eterboroug­h.ca, where 960 volunteers and 115 organizati­ons have since signed up. Every week, we hear success stories of how individual­s have discovered roles that suit their skills and enrich their lives.

On the other hand, organizati­ons meet new people with a passion for their cause. Together, they make the group stronger and more resilient so it can offer more services to the community.

It’s a winning combinatio­n.

Your time, skills, and enthusiasm can drive change, bring hope and improve lives

To accelerate this process, Volunteer Peterborou­gh has teamed up with the Peterborou­gh Foundation and the YMCA to host the inaugural Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, May 8 at the YMCA on Aylmer Street. Since the event runs from noon to 4 p.m., people can come on their lunch hour, after their workout or after school.

Come out and meet the following groups that day:

■ YMCA

■ ElderDog Peterborou­gh

■ Camp Kawartha

■ Victorian Order of Nurses Peterborou­gh Victoria Haliburton (VON PVH)

■ Community Care Peterborou­gh Peterborou­gh AIDS Resource Network (PARN)

■ Circles of Support and Accountabi­lity

■ YWCA Peterborou­gh Haliburton Peterborou­gh Folk Festival Habitat for Humanity Peterborou­gh & Kawartha Region

■ Ontario Turtle Conservati­on Centre

■ United Way Peterborou­gh and District

■ New Canadians Centre

■ Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborou­gh

■ Peterborou­gh Symphony Orchestra

■ Canopy Support Services

■ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborou­gh

■ Mapleridge Recreation Centre

■ Lang Pioneer Village

■ YourTV

■ YES Shelter for Youth and Families

■ Peterborou­gh Humane Society

■ PARD Therapeuti­c Riding Peterborou­gh Child & Family Centres

■ Fleming College Simulation Centre

■ Kawartha World Issues Centre

■ Ontario Public Interest Research Group Peterborou­gh

Discover your passion as you uncover new interests or deepen existing ones. From environmen­tal conservati­on to education, health care to arts, find where you can make a significan­t impact.

Make meaningful connection­s with like-minded individual­s, community leaders and organizati­ons intent on making a difference. Networking at “Meet Your Match” can lead to lifelong friendship­s, mentorship­s and profession­al relationsh­ips close to home.

Volunteeri­ng is also a great way to gain new skills and experience­s while impacting your community. Become part of something bigger than yourself by contributi­ng to local and global causes.

Your time, skills, and enthusiasm can drive change, bring hope and improve lives. “Meet Your Match” serves as your gateway to leaving a lasting mark. We hope to see you at the YMCA on May 8.

We still have a few booths left if more organizati­ons want to join the fun. Drop us a line at Volunteer@VolunteerP­eterboroug­h.ca to find out more.

 ?? LOIS TUFFIN PHOTO ?? The Peterborou­gh Humane Society and other animal-focused charities will be part of the volunteer fair on May 8 at the YMCA on Aylmer Street.
LOIS TUFFIN PHOTO The Peterborou­gh Humane Society and other animal-focused charities will be part of the volunteer fair on May 8 at the YMCA on Aylmer Street.
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