Where would we be without you?
By David Harper
Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 17th-23rd. In truth, everyday should be Volunteer Appreciation Day. There's no doubt our organization would not operate smoothly if it were not for volunteers, and I dare say that some chapters may not run at all if it were not for their volunteers many dedicated hours.
What exactly do our volunteers do?
- Our volunteers bring a fresh new approach or broader point of view
- Our volunteers make new contacts and expand the sphere of influence of our organization
- Our volunteers contribute new and innovative ideas to our organization
- Our volunteers become organizational/mission advocates
- Our volunteers are pioneers
- Our volunteers give a human touch
- Our volunteers build community spirit and support
- Our volunteers increase diversity
- Our volunteers bring unique/local knowledge and skills
We are amazed by the generosity of the volunteers who contribute their time and talents to help support people whose lives are affected by epilepsy. To recognize that we asked local epilepsy chapters to tell us about the importance of volunteers to their organizations. I think their words say it all.
Epilepsy Huron Perth Bruce
By Caroline Simons, Executive Director – Epilepsy HBP
Over the three counties that Epilepsy Huron Perth Bruce serves we have more than 942 volunteers in a variety of capacities from board and committee members to mentors, event volunteers, office help and public speakers.
These volunteers have dedicated a total of 4,862 hours which is worth a phenomenal $58,344.00.
We aim to show our volunteers our immense appreciation on a daily basis but we also hold a formal volunteer appreciation night. This year it will be held on Thursday, April 26th at the Government Building in Clinton.
Epilepsy Niagara
By Melissa Penner, Executive Director Epilepsy Niagara
As a fledgling chapter, Epilepsy Niagara contributes its success to the many dedicated volunteers who have helped the agency get to where it is. From the first week of operation, Epilepsy Niagara had volunteers ready to get on board to ensure the agency prospered.
The volunteers have been very enthusiastic, which helps to keep the morale high. Our volunteer opportunities are vast: from Board members dedicated to strategic planning and sustainability, communication and media assistance, virtual volunteers who assist with research, co-lead support groups, handle bookkeeping, post flyers and signs, perform Kids on the Block shows, and organize fundraisers.
In the short time that Epilepsy Niagara has been in existence we have had over 2,600 volunteer hours at a variety of tasks. Their work has been instrumental in launching us into the community.
Epilepsy Peterborough
By Thom Appleby, Executive Director, Epilepsy Peterborough
The backbone of most not-for-profit organizations is the volunteer, especially in smaller associations like Epilepsy Peterborough & Area. We estimate that volunteers contribute well over 3,000 hours of their time in various fund-raising and education activities each year. Some are involved in many different activities, while others prefer to specialize in planning and board activities. In a time when governments are contributing less, the volunteer is a necessity for groups like ours. Volunteers are active in our education seminars, support meetings, office duties, board seats, planning meetings, gaming, golf tournament, ribbon campaign, outreach programs, and Kids On The Block training and presentations. Our core group of about 20 do most of the work with another 30 joining in on specific programs.
Volunteers are one of the most important pieces of the non-profit puzzle, and probably don't get the credit or recognition they deserve.
Epilepsy Simcoe County
Jocelyn Williams (Volunteer) Office Manager, Epilepsy Simcoe County
Our office is run totally by volunteers.
I am volunteering just to keep our doors open and our programs up and running. I also train our daily volunteers about office duties and how to keep things happening here at Epilepsy Simcoe County. I have four other women who volunteer one or two days per week and do absolutely everything we need to do to keep our office running. We all use our individual computer skills (some of us have more/some less) to keep the demands of letter writing, pamphlet updates, newsletters going out, membership renewals, fundraising, you name it.... we do it. I do the counselling and agency contacts etc. and even with as much as I give to my volunteers to do, they never complain. One of my newest office volunteers is now sitting on SEAC with me and doing my KOB's as well. She is a retired school teacher and has epilepsy. We helped her way back and her goal when she retired was to give back to us for our support of her many years ago.
I have another supply of approx. 20 -30 volunteers who also help with Glad Days, BBQ's and garage sales during the summer. I know who to ask for what challenge and they are there for us. I just couldn't imagine what I would do without my dedicated, loyal and trustworthy volunteers.
I also have volunteers who help with mall displays, gift wrapping etc. We each contribute where we can for the sole goal of keeping our agency open to all the people who need us now and in the future.
I can't forget our board of directors as well they all volunteer their time and energy to coming to meetings and helping us organize our activities.
Epilepsy Ontario
By David Harper (Volunteer) Volunteer Coordinator, Epilepsy Ontario
Our volunteers are wonderful. Our office has five part time core volunteers who each contribute ten to twenty hours each week. The Summerfest Camp, the Christmas Carol, the Advocacy Clinic, the Women's Getaway, our resource centre, research articles pertaining to Epilepsy, are organized and run by volunteers.
In addition we are fortunate to have approximately 60 volunteers who we can call on for projects such as Lavender Ribbons and Epilepsy Awareness.
The Executive Committee members also contribute many hours of their time in guiding Epilepsy Ontario.
It is a great pleasure to work with all of them and we cannot thank them enough.
Thanks to all of the volunteers everywhere across the province!
