Andrea , Laurel & Kelsi – Salvation Army

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Andrea, Laurel & Kelsi's day at Salvation Army

The Community Meals Program is put on every other Monday and is hosted by the St Marys United Church with numerous local businesses and organizations taking turns to sponsor the meal. 

During their time volunteering they served supper to almost 100 people. After supper they helped clean up the hall and the kitchen. These people came from all walks of life. 

There were lots of laughs, lots of stories and a sense of comradery amongst everyone present.

Heather – Stratford CRC

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Heather's day at Stratford CRC

Community Meals is Huron & Perth County community food program that provides a hot prepared meal to individuals or families in need. This program is made possible by many churches and food centers working together to provide free or low cost meals several days of the week.
Stratford CRC is one of the churches that participates in this program. They provide a free meal every 1st and 3rd Tuesday from November to April.
Heather has been part of this program at Stratford CRC for many years, and it means a lot to her to be able to help this program by regularly assisting in the serving and cleaning up of the meal.
Heather selected this program because there has been a 31% increase in the use of food banks in the past year. There is a desperate need for food in our community. Providing a prepared hot meal to those who are in need of it is one way we can help, especially in the winter months.
On November 26th, 2024 Heather spent her day helping Stratford CRC host their community meal by assisting in the preparation of the meal including peeling potatoes and folding laundry as well as serving food, washing dishes and cleaning up the hall after the meal was complete.
Heather also had a chance to sit with some of the participates and community members during the meal and got to hear some of their stories.
Community meals is a program made possible by many hosting churches and food centers. A list of the hosts can be found on the 211 Ontario webpage here:

https://211ontario.ca/results/?latitude=43.3700007&longitude=-80.98222860000001&searchLocation=Stratford&searchTerms=&exct=0&sd=25&ss=Distance&topicPath=73

More information on additional volunteer opportunities can be found by reaching out to the individual hosts about their volunteers needs

Elizabeth – Romeo Public School

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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

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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/.