Entries by Amanda Townsend

Elizabeth – Romeo Public School

December 13, 2024 in /by

Elizabeth's day at Romeo Public School

Elizabeth had the pleasure of volunteering at Romeo Public School in Stratford as part of their Breakfast Program, which provides nutritious meals and snacks for students to start their day. This initiative is crucial, as it ensures children have a full tummy and are ready to learn, setting them up for success in the classroom.

During her time there,  Elizabeth helped prepare and serve breakfast while chatting with the students as they arrived. It was a rewarding experience, and she truly enjoyed connecting with the children and hearing about their day ahead. Elizabeth is looking forward to continuing to volunteer a couple of mornings each month, as it’s a wonderful way to support the school community and make a positive impact on the students’ day.

Kim & Sandra – Rotary Hospice

December 6, 2024 in /by

Kim's Day at Rotary Hospice

The Rotary Hospice of Stratford Perth provides a ‘home away from home’ for those who are unable to or do not wish to remain at home with a life-limiting illness that is usually at an advanced stage. The Rotary Hospice serves all residents of Huron Perth  and the area who are dying have peace, comfort and dignity while allowing their loved ones a change to spend quality time as a family, not caregivers.

Kim has personally been volunteering at Rotary Hospice since the doors opened in June 2019.  It means so much to Kim to be able to give back in our community and help to make a difference in a small way.

Her volunteer day was spent in the kitchen with her co-worker Sandra, where together they spent the day making shortbread cookies for an upcoming fundraiser, Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol which will be a dramatic reading with music. 

Kim and Sandra thoroughly enjoyed the day at Rotary Hospice and were delighted to play a part in what promises to be a very entertaining evening.

The hospice requires approximately 150 volunteers to help run the hospice, which includes various roles such as direct resident support, kitchen, reception, in home visiting and gardening, to name a few.  If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please reach out to Katie O’Donovan, Coordinator of Volunteers at katie@rotaryhospice.ca.

Sandra's Day at Rotary Hospice

The Rotary Hospice of Stratford Perth provides a peaceful, comfortable home with 24-hour specialized palliative care for those at end-of-life as well as support for those in their circle. It provides a needed alternative to institutional care facilities and home care – an essential option that did not previously exist in Huron Perth and Area until July 22, 2019.

Sandra selected this volunteer opportunity because in her previous career as a PSW she saw how important organizations like the Rotary Hospice of Stratford Perth are integral to small communities. Sandra also loves helping support a great organization that has been highly recommended by her UW manager Kim Wolfe, who has volunteered there for many years. To be able to assist in any way is something Sandra loved being a part of.

She spent her morning baking shortbread for Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth Dickens Eve event on December 8th. Kim had mentioned that they were looking for volunteers to assist with making shortbread since they sold so much last year. Together they baked 220 short bread cookies (18 dozen!) and packaged them so they would be ready for the fundraiser on December 8th, 2024.  Everyone at the Rotary Hospice of Stratford Perth was so kind and inviting and Sandra was so grateful they let her volunteer and assist with their fundraising event. It is a beautiful facility and everyone who works there gives so much attention and care to everything that they do. The Rotary Hospice of Stratford Perth are always looking for volunteers, please check out their website for volunteer opportunities – https://www.rotaryhospice.ca/.

Deb – Huron County Foodbank Distribution Centre

December 5, 2024 in /by

Deb's day at the Huron County Foodbank Distribution Centre

A Heart Full of Gratitude – Deb’s Day at the Huron County Foodbank Distribution Centre (the DC)

The mission of “the DC” is “To provide food security for all people by supporting the food banks and aid agencies in Huron County and area”. 

They source and supply 36 Food Banks and Aid Agencies in Huron and Perth Counties along with operating a Mobile Food Bank program in 6 Huron County villages. They also deliver school snacks to numerous schools in Huron & Perth counties.  More and more people continue to use the foodbank than ever before.  The “DC” also utilizes Food Education as an ally to eliminate hunger.

Deb was happy to give her donation to the DC and to spend the day volunteering as a way to give back. She looks forward to volunteering here when she is retired.

The warehouse and office space was a flurry of activity that morning.  Volunteers unpacked boxes of canned goods, sorting and packing as they go. They were busy preparing bags of food for the Mobile Food Bank. Everyone, from young adults to retirees, share a sense of purpose.

Deb’s task this day was to help three other volunteers with the massive amount of Christmas mailings, all personally signed by the Executive Director Mary Ellen Zielmann, to thank all the donors that give so much during the year.

Many thanks to Mary Ellen for allowing Deb to be part of something so vital to our community, even just for the day.

Alisha – Ramoth Life Centre

December 5, 2024 in /by

Alisha's Day at Ramoth Life Centre

Ramoth Life Centre is a haven for pregnant women and young mothers that have had a difficult past and are needing a safe place to live.  They provide a safe and supportive environment where these women can heal, grow and learn practical life skills.

Alisha had the opportunity to participate in a spa day for the mothers. She gave manicures and pedicures while others did their hair and makeup. Alisha expressed how amazing it was to serve and be a part of showing each of the mother’s that they are loved, valued and beautiful. 

In addition to the spa day, Ramoth Life Centre offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. The Cuddle Program allows volunteers to provide much-needed respite to mothers by cuddling their babies. Other opportunities include practical workshops teaching the women cooking, sewing, self care ect.  More information can be found on their website here https://www.ramoth.ca/.