Today marks the start of National Volunteer Week. There are not enough words to describe how grateful we are to our volunteers’ big hearts, compassion and ongoing generosity. The work we do at Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family would not be possible without the donation of funds, talent and time from these caring individuals.
Many Thanks to our Volunteers.
Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family is very grateful for this generous donation but sorry that the community has lost a valuable resource in Opening Hearts. We pledge to use this donation with care and compassion. Thank you to the Bassetts who used their challenging experience to help others.
www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine.
The City of Hamilton encourages physical distancing, wearing a mask in an enclosed public space, and increased hand washing. Learn more about the City’s response to COVID-19 www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus
Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family, an organization that serves children who have developmental delays in the Hamilton area, is searching for a CPA to join our volunteer Board of Directors. Experience working in the not-for-profit sector is an asset. The volunteer would be asked to attend monthly board meetings on the third Wednesday of each month from 6-8 pm and to give 3 more hours each month to oversee our small organization’s finances, complete necessary quarterly reporting to MCCSS and help our bookkeeper to prepare for the annual audit. Please send your responses to Greta Peso at ed.extendafamily@gmail.com
Thank you!
Brian began volunteering with EAF when he was just fifteen. He and his friend, Patrick, brought an energy and enthusiasm to the activities they attended. Both teens had an excellent sense of humour and they brought that fun-loving spirit with them as they volunteered. Brian remembers a boy who was so shy he didn’t speak or make eye contact with any of the kids or volunteers. Brian worked hard to help him develop self-confidence and to develop relationships with the other children. By the end of their time together, the shy teen was introducing himself to other event participants, cracking jokes and generally having a wonderful time. Brian still has contact with this individual more than a decade later. Before responding to events, many families would ask, on behalf of their teen, if Brian and Patrick would be volunteering that day. Their presence brought increased numbers of attendees.
Not only were the children changed and influenced by these two volunteers, Brian tells us how much the experience changed him too. His empathy for the challenges the kids faced grew as did his understanding of the challenges caregivers face. In Brian’s words, “seeing their struggles brought me to empathize with them (the kids), and respect them a great deal”. He became more understanding and compassionate as he worked with children with developmental delays.
Brian went on to become a Summer Support Worker with us while he studied at McMaster. Today, he continues to support our Holiday Hamper Program and, recently, made a huge impact by including us in his workplace fundraising efforts. Our special thanks go out to Brian for his contribution to the children and teens that our organization serves. He was an incredibly special volunteer who has grown into a very special man. Thanks, Brian!
All participants must complete a pre-screening survey online each time prior to attending our programs. Participants will not be permitted to join in-person events until a parent/guardian has successfully completed the survey.
Please note: Participants will be asked to have their temperature checked using a contactless thermometer prior to entry.
