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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-04-09, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9,1997 The face of today’s volunteers By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff What is the face of a volunteer? It has always been a precious one in our communities, but with lifestyle changes occurring over the past few decades, they may not be as recognizable. Gone is the idea that a volunteer is a middle-aged, middle-class woman, with flexible free time. It has been replaced by a montage of society, representing every gender, race, age and class. Nowhere better is this demographic illustrated than at Huronlea outside Brussels and Huronview in Clinton. Volunteers at the county homes for the aged add to the quality of life for the residents, while offering assistance to the staff. "We could not function without these people," says Ann Brabender, program co-ordinator at the homes since October. Starting young Residents of Huronlea enjoy the visits of volunteers of all ages. Families can have a sense of common purpose through their volunteer work, while instilling the ethic of volunteering in the children. Little Breanne denDekker, her sister Shandi, and brother Tyler, not pictured, visit Huronlea residents, Sarah Barbour and Effie Finley, right, enjoy some old-fashioned fun with paper dolls. These people' come from all walks of life. Some professionals will come to offer their range of expertise and experience, while others want to do something different, says Brabender. Seniors within the community L put on monthly birthday parties, while local children stop by from time to time to play games, talk or read. Buddies R Us, a program from Brussels Public School and Interlink, with Grade 6/7 students of Grey Central School pay regular monthly visits to Huronlea, enlivening the home with their youthful exuberance. During the summer the young people from SWAT (Students Working About Town) & VOLUNTEERS^ Ou/u G'updtdV Ndduia£ ReAouJic& were also frequent volunteers. To best demonstrate the new look of the volunteer, it could be noted that all are not of the two- legged variety. Rambo, a canine graduate of the St John's Pet Therapy program, has managed to put smiles on many residents' faces during his frequent stops at Huronlea, says Brabender. "If you want to &sk seniors whom they enjoy seeing the most, it will likely be kids and pets," says Brabender. It is good to keep in mind, however, that the benefits of volunteerism are not one­ sided. "There is a personal satisfaction," says Brabender. Giving of one's self, doing a good deed, or filling empty hours are obvious pluses for the volunteer. For youths, however, volunteering can be much more, an education, actually. "Because seniors are the target group career-minded students may think this is the best profession to pursue. Once exposed to it through volunteering they may fmd it's not their cup of tea." Other young people have become involved simply because they care. In every community, there are youths using their energy and talent to make a difference or fmd solutions. "They are full of enthusiasm when they care about something," says Brabender. Catching the volunteer spirit at an early age begins at home, Brabender says. With parents working and taking their children in different directions to various activities, volunteering as a family can provide valued quality time, says Brabender. "We have quite a few families that come in. In today's busy world, finding time together is important andvolunteering is a meaningful way to spend time as a unit." * - That focus has altered the duration a volunteer may stay with a project. "Yesterday's volunteers used to be long-term. Today people tend to relate to certain things at different points in their lives. As families grow and move on, so while they may volunteer all their lives, their commitment may change after a few years," says Brabender. For that reason, volunteer recruitment is an on-going project. Part of Brabender's job is to fmd and interview new volunteers, who are then orientated and assigned a task that suits their desires and that of the residents and staff. When volunteers move on, a termination interview is conducted to see if there are improvements to be made. Brabender is currently, along with a dedicated volunteer, Leona Armstrong, working on the establishment of a Huronlea Auxiliary. "This would be an organization within the facility, that is an excellent means of public relations." Volunteers would help the activation staff when extra people were needed, such as for field trips. They would fundraise through teas or raffles so that specific items to benefit the home or the residents could be purchased. "We would love to sit down and talk with anyone interested in volunteering or if they have any creative ideas on getting the residents out and involved in the community. The main thing is to try and cover every aspect of the quality of life, here, spiritually and physically." April 13-19 is Volunteer Week. On Tuesday, April 15, Huronlea and Huronview volunteers will be honoured at an appreciation night in Huronview, beginning with a wine and cheese party at 6:30 p.m. VALUE By Norraine Jensen To say I volunteer for lack of something better to do Is to say my time has no value. To say I volunteer therefore I work for you for nothng I to say my work is worthless. But to say I choose to give my time to your work Is to say we both ahve value. rrine news from ondesboro Compiled by June Fothergill Phone 523-4360 Bowlers banquet The Londesboro and area ladies' bowling banquet was held on Friday, April 4. They enjoyed a meal at the Blue Fountain Restaurant in Clinton. The first place team was "Frezzy Novels", Reta Kelland, Helen Dale, Reah Reinink, June Fothergill. Second place was "Tequila Sun Rise", Carol Munnings, Roxy Maize, Agnes Doherty, Darlene Vincent. High average went to Rita Verburg with runner up being Helen Dale. High triple was Carol Munnings and runner up was Reta Kelland. High single was Barb Oesch and and runner up was Liz Lawson. Most improved was Helen Dale. Most head pins was Rita Verburg. Spares were Corrie Bos, Brenda Exel, Lisa Sherred, Marie Bromley. Perfect attendance with 75 games was Rita Verburg, Barb Oesch, Helen Dale, Gerry Dale, Carol Munnings, Colleen Carter, Reta Kelland, Reah Reinink, June Fothergill and Darlene Vincent. Guest speaker at United Ushers at Londesboro United Church on Sunday, April 6 were Donna Shaddick and Sharon Postma. Shannon Scott played the piano and Elizabeth MacGregor sang. The sermon topic was "This Side of Easter". The guest speaker was Mr. Richard Bain from London. The Ministry and Personnel Committee will meet on Wednes­ day, April 9 at 8 p.m. in Londes­ boro Church. Confirmation class will be confirmed next Sunday. Songfest is at Londesboro United Church on Sunday, /.^ril 13 at 7:30 p.m. April 16 & 17,1997 Wed. & Thurs. 5 pm to 10 pm ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION i A chance to show our stuff” A Business, home and garden show Admission by donation for more information or to book a booth please call the Chamber office at 357-4990 Space is limited!