.com Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington Thursday, April ... · 88297 ThankYou to all our dedicated volunteers 257 Woodlawn Rd. W., Guelph, ON 519-836-3523 R00 1 31 88422 • Disaster

Special Advertising Feature Thursday, April 9, 2015 1 Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.volunteerguelphwellington.on.ca

Youth Website: www.youthengaged.ca

Facebook: Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington

Twitter: @VolunteerGW

LinkedIn: Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington

Celebrating National Volunteer Week

April 12-18, 2015

Our Vision: Everyone engages in

building a vibrant, healthy, resilient community.

Our Mission: We provide resources and leadership to enable the

development of people and organizations.

A Special Advertising FeatureThursday, April 9, 2015

.com

46 Cork Street E., Unit 1 Guelph, ON,

N1H 2W8Tel: 519-822-0912

Toll free: 1-866-693-3318Fax: 519-822-1389

Special Advertising Feature2 Thursday, April 9, 2015 Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is all about recognizing the contribution of volunteers in our community. It is Canada’s largest

celebration of volunteers, volunteerism and civic participation. This year’s celebration takes place April 12th to April 18th and honours Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers who make a tremendous contribution in communities across the country and around the globe.

In Guelph, our dedication to community involvement has given us the reputation at home and across Canada as the country’s “most caring community”. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the volunteers in our community for the work they do helping out, giving back and having fun. You help grow our community to realize its full potential!

This year the Volunteer Centre celebrates volunteerism with a number of events and recognition activities. For example, our annual Time To Give Breakfast will celebrate “Volunteers at the Heart of Community Leadership” and the Dr.

William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards will honour three individuals from the University of Guelph community who demonstrate significant community involvement through their many charitable activities. We will also be honouring volunteers through our annual Caring Community Cards and through social media recognition activities.

But that’s not all! Rogers TV will be featuring volunteer impact stories on Rogers Inside over the lunch hour during National Volunteer Week. These stories from volunteers across the community will allow you to see the changes happening because of their hard work and dedication. Don’t forget to set your PVR or tune in to see these motivational stories!

You can also take part in celebrating volunteers during NVW. We encourage you to take advantage of this special week to recognize the volunteers in your life for their dedication and the impact they have in Guelph and Wellington. Thank a volunteer in person, or by using the hashtag #GratitudeGW.

Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2015

Thank you to all of our volunteers foryour hard work and support!

www.hospicewellington.org • 519-836-3921

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Thank-youto all our ArboretumVolunteers.

“HelpingThe ArboretumGrow”

THE ARBORETUMUniversity of Guelph

519-824-4120 ext. 52113 • www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum R00

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Getting to Know the Volunteer Centre

At the Heart of Community Leadership

The Volunteer Centre plays a vital role in promoting and

enhancing volunteerism in the County of Wellington and the City of Guelph. We match people with meaningful volunteer opportunities and support more than 130 nonprofits that utilize volunteers to achieve their goals. We also help people find the services they need in areas such as health, housing and income support by sharing community information through the Community Information Guelph program. We believe every member of our community has both an opportunity and the ability to build the community in a way that is meaningful to them. Together we can build a vibrant, healthy and resilient community. For information, or to search volunteer opportunities, contact us today at 519-822-0912 or visit us at www.vcgw.ca

J oin us for our annual Time to Give Community Breakfast on Volunteering to celebrate and be inspired by our community leaders. The theme of this year’s event is “Volunteers at the Heart of Community Leadership.”

We often highlight the impact of volunteerism in the community by looking at the outcomes of volunteer work. What is less acknowledged is the impact of volunteerism on the individual. Our community leaders have been impacted by their volunteering. It has influenced their leadership trajectory and it has influenced who they have become. The theme of this year’s breakfast is the impact of volunteering on our community leaders.

Tickets are available at Scotiabank locations in the City of Guelph for a discounted rate of $45 or online

at: http://bit.ly/TTG2015 Wednesday,

ADelta Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. W.

Tickets $50 (tables of 8 available)R00

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build a better world!We thank you for all

that you do!

Volunteers

You make the Guelph & DistrictMul9cultural Fes9val happen every year!51!.836.7482 – gdmf.ca – [email protected]

Thank YouVolunteers!


Now in its 8th year, the ChangeTheWorld: Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge

has been a huge success. It began in 7 communities in 2008 as a one-week challenge and has grown to a 6-week campaign across the province.

In partnership with the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network and funded by the Ontario Government, this year’s campaign runs from April 12th to May 24th with one goal: get youth, ages 14-18, involved in making their community stronger through volunteering.

Last year, over 39,900 youth volunteered nearly 210,000 hours across the province! In Guelph and Wellington, 796 youth contributed 4,917 hours to this grand total. This year, our goal is to engage over 900 high school students in a minimum of three hours of volunteering with community-benefit organizations in Guelph and Wellington County.

There are a number of ways for local youth to get involved in this Challenge!

are group volunteering opportunities that students can attend with their classes – very much like a field trip. Teachers can contact the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington to find out

how they can register their class to participate in fun-filled events like Move-Out Madness and Green Legacy Tree Planting.

– students are encouraged to select an organization they would like to support, such as the Canadian Cancer Society or Wyndham House, and raise money, collect clothing or promote awareness in their school. Students are encouraged to check with their teachers before getting started.

Students can visit youthengaged.ca to log their hours and receive a provincial certificate acknowledging their community spirit!

If you are a high school student, get involved! Check out our featured opportunities at www.youthengaged.ca.

Every hour counts! Let’s work together to surpass last year’s results and help ChangeTheWorld!

ChangeTheWorld: Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge

Thank You

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Frank ValerioteMember of Parliament - Guelph | 40 Cork St. E., Guelph, | 519.837.8276 | [email protected]

Guelph Volunteers are appreciated!Volunteering is one of the most gratifying

experiences one has in life.Thank you to those who give freely of their time.

from

FRANK VALERIOTEMember of Parliament-Guelph

Kidsability.ca

Our Volunteers make a difference. Thank you!

676 12,350hours invested

5,840


A volunteer’s enthusiasm and spirit instills a sense of community pride and inspires

others to participate. To honour volunteers who give so generously, the Caring Community Card is gifted as a small token of appreciation.

For the 4th year, the Volunteer Centre has partnered with a number of local community-minded businesses to show their appreciation for all that volunteers do to brighten our community. The cards, which are available to Volunteer Centre member agencies for their volunteers, feature perks and discounts from businesses and organizations in Guelph and Wellington County.

“The support from local businesses who value the contributions of

volunteers is what makes the card possible,” says Chantal Vallis, Volunteer & Membership Services Coordinator. “We are so grateful to have community-minded businesses who support community and appreciate volunteers.”

The offers are valid for the month of April and feature new deals from businesses like The Red Brick Café, Café Creperie in Elora, Boston Pizza in Fergus, Starbucks Coffee Co. at 40 Wellington Street in Guelph, and the River Run Centre.

“We also had a number of returning businesses and organizations who were eager to participate again this year,” says Vallis.

A special Thank You to Kwik Kopy for their printing services!

Caring Community Card Recognizes Local Volunteers

Bibles for Missions Thrift Store

Thank you to all the Snow Angel Volunteers for theawesome spirit of generosity you demonstrate

throughout the winter season.

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Chalmers Community Services Centre40 Baker St. Guelph

www.chalmerscentre.ca

519-822-8778

Many thanks to the more than 80 dedicated Volunteerswho help CCSC operate two local pantries offering free food,

clothing, household items and mending,to those in need.

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Thank Youto all our

dedicated volunteers

257 Woodlawn Rd. W., Guelph, ON519-836-3523

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• Disaster Management

• Meals on Wheels

• Help Equipment Program

• First Aid CPR Training


Volunteers are the heart of the community and they are undeniably the heart of the

Snow Angels Program. Individuals who are willing to shovel are connected with eligible residents in the City of Guelph. The volunteers are high school, college and university students, families, and community members. They commit to helping a neighbour or two, and sometimes more, for the entire winter season. When a big storm hits, these dedicated volunteers are providing service to prevent the many people in the community who are not able to shovel, either because of age or physical limitation, from becoming housebound. When most of us would prefer to stay indoors where it is warm and cozy, the Snow Angel Volunteers are taking Guelph by storm, hard at work ensuring that someone in need is able to continue doing everyday things such as grocery shopping, attending medical appointments or receiving visitors in their home. For other residents, it is important their home is accessible to ensure home care and services like Meals on Wheels are able to provide support. One recipient of this volunteer service shared, “I could not have stayed in my home without the help this winter.”

Thank you, to all the Snow Angel

Volunteers for the totally awesome spirit of generosity you demonstrate throughout the winter season. Your dedication and caring safeguard the health, wellbeing and connection to the community for people in need. It is, definitely, the neighbourly thing to do!

The Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington, in agreement with the City of Guelph, has created the Snow Angels Program to match eligible residents with volunteers who are responsible

for shoveling the windrow (the accumulation of snow left at the end of the driveway when the streets are plowed following a heavy snowfall).

To be eligible for this service, an individual must be a resident of the City of Guelph, be a senior and/or have a physical disability, unable to afford snow removal and have no able-bodied person living in the home who can shovel. Do you need this

help? Can you help a neighbour?For more information, contact

Emily Vincent at [email protected] or call 519-822-1155.

Snow Angels Volunteers Take Guelph by Storm!

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Written by: Alysha Letourneau University of Guelph Student

The Youth on Board program matches young leaders with mentors who sit on local Boards of Directors. Students are given the

opportunity to learn about board governance and actively participate in the governance of a local organization with the assistance of their mentor for a minimum of 6 months. I have been participating in the Youth on Board program for the past 4 months and have really enjoyed this wonderful learning experience. I have been placed with Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington where members of the Board of Directors and the staff have been very welcoming and accommodating to a student participating in their meetings. This program has provided me with hands-on leadership experience and insight to the inner workings of nonprofit organizations. I have learned so much thus far and intend on continuing to take full advantage of this learning opportunity for the remainder

of the program. In the future, I hope to start my own nonprofit organization. This experience has enhanced my knowledge base and given me the tools needed to make that a reality. In this type of situation a mentor makes all the difference. I was very fortunate to be paired with Wellington County Councillor Don McKay who demonstrates nothing less than passion and enthusiasm for his work with Family and Children’s Services. He has been committed to ensuring that I get the most out of the program and has been more than happy to share his knowledge and expertise with me. The board is full of motivated and knowledgeable individuals. It is inspiring to see a group of volunteers committed to the organization; they always ensure that any decisions being made adhere to the mission, vision and values of the organization. Volunteering is a fantastic way to get involved in your community, build connections and collectively work towards a positive change. After this experience, I hope to continue volunteering with this organization, as well as others within the Guelph and Wellington area.

Youth On Board Program

www.guelphskating.ca519-763-8500

WHENYOU SEEOUR SHOW

YOU'LLWANNA BE APART OF THE CLUB.CALL OR EMAIL

[email protected]

AND REGISTERFOR SPRING SESSION

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WITHOUT THE HARDWORK OF OUR DEDICATEDVOLUNTEERSOUR

ICE SHOWWOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE!

COME SEE OUR FABULOUS SHOW ONSUNDAY APRIL 12TH AT 1 PM

SLEEMAN CENTRETICKETS SOLD ATTHE DOOR.


Volunteering is timeless tradition. We can trace voluntary activity in Canada as

far back as the 1600s; when nursing sisters of the first Hotel Dieu looked after new immigrants, wounded soldiers and victims of the plague. Jump forward a few centuries to the very first National Volunteer Week in 1943. In that first year, National Volunteer Week was a way to draw attention to the impact women were having on the war effort by volunteering on the home front. By the late 1960s, the focus had shifted to celebrating all community volunteers, recognizing that volunteerism was integral to the success of our communities.

Since then, we have come a long

way. Today 12.7 million Canadians volunteer their skills, time and energy to provide a high level of support and assistance to our communities. Volunteers can be seen helping in hospitals, fighting fires, coaching sports teams, sharing historical information, coordinating festivals, and so much more.

But as times change, so does volunteering. Today, virtual volunteering is becoming a new trend in the volunteer landscape. Also known as “online volunteering” or “cyber service,” what makes their work unique is the fact that it’s conducted off-site and using the internet. Virtual volunteers do not typically work in the 9-5 timeframe or come into the agency’s office. They have a great

Virtual Volunteering – A NewTwist on a Timeless Tradition!

deal of flexibility to complete their work and the range of tasks is always expanding. Today a virtual volunteer can provide electronic friendly visiting or mentoring via Skype, research, create resources like training materials, fundraising, graphic design, social media, IT support and so much more. And…all in the comfort of pajamas if they wish!

So while #SiriProblems and #FiveWordsToRuinAJobInterview trend, #virtualvolunteering is changing the face of how we give and give back to our community. It is the new frontier of a valuable and timeless tradition. A special thank you to all of the virtual volunteers in Guelph and Wellington whose service, even if not directly seen, is invaluable.

to the many VON volunteers whocontribute tireless enthusiasm, energyand countless hours to improve the livesof seniors and adults with disabilities inGuelph,Wellington County and Dufferin.

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www.von.ca

Thank You Guelph-WellingtonWomen in Crisis

A sincere thank you to our dedicated volunteers.Your commitment is truly appreciated.

24-hour Crisis Line: 1-519-836-5710, 1-800-265-SAFE (7233)www.gwwomenincrisis.org

Working to end violence against women and children


Employees who perform work in the community with some form of support and/or encouragement from their employer (Volunteer Canada).

The rate of volunteerism among Canadians aged 35-44 has dropped by 6 per cent since 2010. This is likely a result of the multiple demands on this age group, a large majority of which are in the workforce. This is especially significant as this age range has one of the highest rates of volunteerism. ESV gives employees the opportunity to volunteer through their workplace, encouraging greater participation. On average, employees who receive support from employers volunteer 20 more hours a year than employees who don’t. ESV benefits the community because it increases the quality and quantity of skilled volunteers in our community working on social and economic challenges.

Employers benefit from ESV because it improves their corporate image and reputation, increases job performance and retention, provides incentive in

recruitment, provides low-cost skill development, reduces absenteeism and it is an expectation of the younger generations that their employers demonstrate social responsibility. ESV is a flexible and low cost strategy to recruit and keep the talent that employers are looking for.

National TrendsRecent statistics from the Conference

Board of Canada (2014) suggest that ESV is a growing trend. Over 65 per cent of companies now offer employee volunteer programs. It is believed that this will rise to 70 per

cent in the near future. In terms of community investment, this is the only area in which growth is expected. Employee gift matching, sponsorship and other cash and in-kind community investments have been in decline and it is expected that this will continue.

Another national trend shows that companies are starting to embrace the concept of shared value, as it relates to community investment. Shared value is defined as the “policies and operating practices that enhance the competitiveness of a company while simultaneously advancing the economic and social conditions in the

communities in which it operates.” (Harvard Business Review) Younger generations, in particular, expect corporate social responsibility to be “a way of doing business, as opposed to simply a component of business.” (Next-Gen Corporate Social Responsibility & Shared Value Forum, Calgary 2014)

Guelph is recognized as the most caring community in Canada because of its high rate of volunteerism. It is also considered one of the safest communities in Canada. Both characteristics speak to the level of engagement in this community.

The Volunteer Centre launched our to

encourage companies to support the volunteerism of their employees. Local employers who have taken this challenge include the City of Guelph, University of Guelph, The Co-operators, Meridian Credit Union and Wellington Catholic District School Board. We support ESV by providing opportunities, resources, advice and recognition to participating employers. For more information about Employer Supported Volunteerism or how to start your own ESV program, contact the Volunteer Centre.

Why ESV is the New CSR

www.gghorg.ca R0013187587

Many Thanks to Our Dedicated Volunteers Who Share Freely

of Themselves Every Day. You are Truly Appreciated!

Action Read VolunteersMake a Difference!

Tutoring | Committees | Front Desk | Special Events

Thank you for the generous gift of yourtime, creativity and dedication to lifelonglearning. You truly make a difference in thelives of Action Read learners!

- The Board and Staff of Action Read

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Volunteering will make you a better leader, but why? According to Karen Hurt from the Lead Change Group, there are five key ways that

volunteering makes you a better leader.

Expanded Perspective “Volunteering takes you outside of your comfort

zone, giving you an opportunity to work with new challenges, people, politics and interpersonal dynamics.”

Discovery of New TalentsVolunteers often have opportunities to try new things

and test their skills in a way that is not always possible through paid employment. “Good leaders understand that employees are learning outside of work. The smart ones then leverage these skills.”

Honed InfluenceAccording to Richard Pound, Chancellor Emeritus

at McGill University, volunteerism helps develop leadership because “leadership at the top is akin to being a leader of volunteers, it is not about carrots and sticks but about persuasion and getting people to grasp and follow your vision. Because corporate managers volunteering in nonprofits don’t have titles to define their positions, they have to practice what some call “per mission leadership.” That is, they have to earn the trust and respect of the people they are supervising.” (Forbes Magazine, December 21, 2011)

Freedom to ExperimentVolunteers usually have more latitude in

experimenting with new things. This allows them to take greater risks than they would in their paid employment and, thus, have the opportunity to stretch themselves.

Larger NetworkAs a volunteer, you have the opportunity to meet new

people and some will have different experiences and perspectives from which you can learn. It is likely that most will also be employed, so it is an opportunity to make career connections.

This article is based on content of a blog post by Karen Hurt that can be found at: http://smartblogs.com/leadership/2013/02/21/why-volunteering-makes-you-a-better-leader/

How Volunteering Makes You a Better Leader

Canadian MentalHealth AssociationWaterloo Wellington Dufferin

Association canadiennepour la santé mentaleWaterloo Wellington Dufferin

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for helpingindividuals in our community to achieve the quality of

life they desire.

We could not do it without you!

HOME

Hopewell provides care, community and supportfor people with developmental disabilities and

their families in Wellington County.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit:

www.hopewellchildrenshomes.ca


Are you looking to make a real impact in our community? Consider becoming a

volunteer driver and providing an essential service to those who cannot access supports without your help. There are opportunities to deliver meals, escort children to school and accompany people to medical appointments. Drivers are reimbursed for parking and mileage and the commitment is flexible and can be arranged to fit your schedule. Volunteer driving is an ideal opportunity for a variety of people including retirees, couples, and individuals. It’s a small way to make a big impact and go that extra mile! Consider getting involved with these opportunities:

Canadian Mental Health Association requires volunteer drivers. Individuals are needed to support clients by providing dependable transportation to and from client homes to appointments and/or groups. This is an opportunity to be a positive influence in the lives of CMHA clients and help individuals access supportive services. Individuals can sign up for

driving shifts that suit their schedules. Contact Katrina Duiker, Volunteer Services Coordinator, by calling 519-821-8089 ext 2111, or emailing [email protected].

Volunteers Individuals provide transportation services in Guelph and/or rural areas. Volunteers drive children to various appointments which could include court ordered supervised access visits with a parent, community service agency visits, to and from school and after school care, or legal appointments. Contact Karan Mann, Coordinator of Volunteer Services by calling 519-824-2410 ext 4822, or emailing [email protected].

Meals on Wheels Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to clients in the Guelph area. Deliveries are done in teams of two (one driver and one runner). Volunteer positions are available for both tasks. This is a great opportunity for a couple looking to volunteer together. Contact Colleen Lucas, Coordinator of Volunteers, by calling 519-323-2330, or emailing [email protected].

Volunteer Drivers go the Extra Mile!

SUNRISE THERAPEUTICRIDING & LEARNING

CENTRE

SUNRISE THERAPEUTICRIDING & LEARNING

CENTREWe appreciate our volunteers who help us to empower thosewith special needs and enrich the lives of all participants.

Volunteers are valued members of our team!

from Sunrise riders & staff!519.837.0558 • www.sunrise-therapeutic

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

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Thank you TO EACH AND EVERY ONEOF OUR VOLUNTEERS

ACROSS THEWELLINGTON REGION.

YOU CREATEMORE SURVIVORS.

h e a r t a n d s t r o k e . c a

at the centre of it allVOLUNTEERSWellington County Community Office

519-824-4261

Celebrating VolunteersCanadian Cancer Society volunteers make

the cancer journey a little brighter.

cancer.ca/volunteer

Thank you!

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Please join the City of Guelphin thanking its volunteers duringNational Volunteer Week,April 12–18.Volunteers help run the followingCity programs and services:• Aquatics—Learn to Swim/Arthritis/Rehab/Adapted Aquatics• Evergreen Seniors Community Centre• Friday Friends• Guelph Civic Museum and McCrae House• Guelph Youth Council• One2One• River Run Centre• Camps—summer, March Break, and PD Day

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!

To learn about volunteer opportunities with the City of Guelph,visit guelph.ca/volunteer or call 519-822-1260 x 2096.

.com Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington Thursday, April ... · 88297 ThankYou to all our dedicated volunteers 257 Woodlawn Rd. W., Guelph, ON 519-836-3523 R00 1 31 88422 • Disaster

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