A key component of BACLA’s successful community participation is through an active volunteer program. The efforts or our volunteers assist in all aspects of support to individuals’ lives.
Volunteer involvement covers a broad range of activities including individual friendships, hobbies, outings, special projects, board membership, day opportunities and transportation.
Can you give some time? As little as an hour a week can make a difference in someone’s life. Why not spend time with someone sharing your talents and skills?
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOW - July, 2008
Volunteers are needed in the following areas…!!
Bingo’s: we have come to rely on funds raised through our monthly bingo’s. We are always looking for more volunteers to assist us with this profitable event. Our usual bingo night is the First Tuesday of the month, starting at 8:30PM. Please consider offering us a few hours a month to assist us with this very worthwhile fundraising activity..!!!
Drivers: we are looking for volunteers to assist us with the transportation of some of the folks we support. Upon verification of a valid driver’s license, the drivers would be provided an agency vehicle. At the present time, we are looking for drivers to assist us on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s from 11:00am - 1:00pm and 3:00pm - 4:30pm.
Snoezelen Helpers: Welcome to the magical world of Snoezelen - a wonderful blend of sights, sounds, textures, and aromas - an environment filled with fascinating visual displays that surround and absorb. In the room, colorful objects beg to be touched and admired; orbiting pictures, lights and colors make interesting diversions; electronic devices with buttons and switches entice the user to reach out and explore; gentle vibrations and massage soothe the body and reduce stress; and the atmosphere fills with pleasant sounds and aromas.
From individuals with an intellectual disability to the eldrerly or others who struggle with dementia, brain injury, chronic pain and other conditions, Snoezelen rooms are gaining momentum in the mainstream population as an antidote to stress. They can be found in a variety of settings such as social service agencies, schools, long term care and Rehabilitation facilities, as well as some hospitals.
Volunteers are needed to support individuals in this amazing, multi-sensory, room. Time spent in the room is typically one hour in duration. Training on the use and acre of the equipment will be provided.
The Snoezelen room is made possible due to a grant approval from the Ontario trillium Foundation, parental contributions, and the McNeil Foundation.
If you are interesting in any of the above, or wish to inquire about other areas that our volunteers can assist, please call Debbie at (613) 342-2953.
BACLA’s 2008 Volunteer of the Year is Barb Hutchings, shown swimming with her friend Sara. Sara and Barb go swimming every Wednesday at the Brockville YMCA.
A very sincere thanks is extended to the current 38 volunteers who offer their time, interest and expertise in assisting us to support each individual in ways which would otherwise not be possible. Thank you VERY, VERY much…!!!!