Volunteers In Perth (VIP)

Regional HIV/AIDS Connection began providing services in Perth County in 2008.  Formed in 1985 as the AIDS Committee of London, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection is a community-based, charitable organization providing HIV-related services to people living with and concerned about HIV/AIDS in Perth County and beyond.  Our mandate is to:

• improve the quality of life for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS;
• reduce the number of new HIV infections;
• increase community awareness about HIV/AIDS

All services are free and confidential.  To make an appointment or for more information, please call 1-866-920-1601, or visit www.hivaidsconnection.ca.

The Alzheimer Society of Perth County's mission is to advocate and promote the development of support services, education and research for those affected by Alzheimer disease or other dementia, and their caregivers.  Volunteer opportunities are available in direct service with clients, fundraising and office support.  In accordance with Federal legislation, all volunteers are screened at no cost to them. January is Alzheimer Awareness Month and we have our two signature events, Soup’s On and Walk for Memories. Memorial donations can be made at any time.  Services include one-on-one or family support, support groups, counseling, information and education for families and professionals as well as a resource and referral center.  For more information please call 519-271-1910.

Autism Ontario’s mission is to ensure that each individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is provided the means to achieve quality of life as a respected member of society.  Autism Ontario is a collective voice representing the autism community which advocates and supports government changes, increased research and public awareness.  The Huron Perth Chapter is one of 30 Chapters throughout Ontario, and our chapter members are all volunteer (parents/relatives of autistic children as well as community members).  Our Chapter goal is to increase public awareness about autism, provide resources to the whole community and support people with autism and their families in our community.  Many activities, including a March Break Program, Music Program, Social Skills Program, PA Day Activities, movie cinema and swimming pool rentals are possible using funds raised from the annual Walk for Autism in Goderich and Stratford.  Dozens of books and videos/DVDs on autism have been donated to the Stratford Public Library and the Huron County Library Network for all to use.  We have a member on SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) on both the Public and Catholic School Boards (advocating for the needs of our children).  We hold monthly meetings alternating between the United Way Centre, 32 Erie Street, Stratford (where we also have a mailbox and designated phone extension) and the Huron Respite Office, 15 Rattenbury St. E., Clinton.  For more information, e-mail autismhuronperth@gmail.com.  Volunteers are needed on both our Chapter Leadership Council and Activity Planning Committee.  Visit us at http://www.autismontario.com/client/aso/ao.nsf/HuronPerth/HuronPerthHome, or on Facebook at Autism Ontario – Huron Perth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been providing mentoring services to children in Stratford and area since 1970.  Our programs recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for one-to-one mentoring relationships with children who would benefit from an adult relationship.  The Big Brothers Big Sisters model has shown that through on-going friendship, children’s lives are enriched and strengthened.  Mentoring is one of the oldest and most effective ways to assist children and youth in developing their confidence and nurture a strong sense of self.  Mentors convey to a child or youth that they believe in them and their potential; they encourage children to dream; they model the qualities that help children reach for those dreams.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we understand that the not all volunteers are the same, and that not all children need the same things!  To ensure we are providing the best mentoring opportunities for both the volunteer and the child we have the following programs available:

• Big Brother, Big Sister
• Big Couple, Big Family
• In School Mentors, Co-op High-School Mentors
• GO Girls, Game On
• Arts and Skills Programs

As a volunteer, and as a parent or child, your life and well-being can be enriched by the many programs offered.  With much to choose from and lots of flexibility, there is a way for everyone who is interested to be involved.  For more information or to START SOMETHING, please call 519-271-7133, or visit www.beamentor.ca.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is a proud United Way member agency. 

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life for people living with cancer.  Volunteering with the Society is a great opportunity to make a difference and fight back against cancer.  Volunteer opportunities include:

• Pink Ribbon Day (October);
• Relay for Life (committee member or event volunteer);
• Peer Support;
• Volunteer drivers;
• Community Connector volunteers

For more information on how you can become involved, please visit www.cancer.ca, or contact Anita Looby at 519-271-4270, or alooby@ontario.cancer.ca.

The Canadian Mental Health Association strives to ensure the best possible services for persons with emotional and mental health concerns, and to promote mental health among Huron and Perth County residents.  Volunteers assist in the following capacities:

• One to One Program:  a volunteer is matched with an individual experiencing or recovering from an emotional problem;
• Volunteer Drivers:  includes a per km. reimbursement
• Odd Job Squad:  assist individuals with small tasks such as putting up shelves, blinds, etc.
• CMHA Board or Committee members

If you are interested in being a part of a Caring Community by helping others, please call 519-273-1391 or 1-888-875-2944.  Or, visit, www.cmha-hp.on.ca.

Our local Canadian Red Cross Society volunteers are trained in helping vulnerable people in Canada and around the world.  Our volunteers are trained to provide assistance in:

• Disaster Management Program:  providing immediate assistance to families affected by small scale disasters, such as house fires, gas leaks, or evacuations; providing logistical and human resource support to the Program Team;
• Large Scale Disasters:  setting up shelters
• Emergency Preparedness Workshops:  working with community businesses to ensure basic necessities can be procured before a disaster

The time commitment varies depending on each volunteer’s personal interest, and all training is provided free of charge.  We are always looking for more volunteers to join our team, so if you are interested or want more information, please call 1-877-528-8802.

Our specially trained volunteers offer companionship, emotional support and respite care to individuals and their families who are living with a life-threatening or terminal illness in their own homes.  They also provide bereavement support for the family.  The Hospice Coordinator recruits, educates, supports and supervises the volunteers.  For Hospice Services, contact Dianne Parr, Volunteer Coordinator, at 519-273-1020.  We are a proud United Way member agency.

Community Living Stratford and Area is a non-profit organization that is committed to helping people with a developmental disability be included in everyday life in Stratford.

Community Living Stratford and Area creates opportunities for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of people. Volunteers assist people to become welcomed, valued, respected and involved members of the community.

You can have fun by sharing your gifts and talents, while enjoying community leisure activities, whether it’s exercising at the YMCA or going to the theatre.

Call today and see how you can make a difference.

Carys Wyn Hughes, Manager of Community Development:  519-273-1000, ext. 234 or chughes@clsa.ca.

BUILDING HOMES, BUILDING HOPE.  Our Vision:  A world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.  Our Mission:  To mobilize volunteers and community partners to build affordable housing and promote home ownership as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty. 

Habitat operates a ReStore, a retail store of new and used home building materials.  We accept donations of reusable building materials and household items from individuals, contractors and businesses.  Profits generated from the ReStore support the construction of homes for families in need in Perth County.  For more information about various volunteers opportunities for adults and students, call 519-814-0022.

The Huron Perth Centre Youth Justice Program is an early intervention program for youth in conflict or at risk to be in conflict within their community.  The program offers sessions with community professionals and representatives to assist the young person in realizing the consequences and effects of their actions.  Opportunities for youth to accept responsibility and make amends for their actions are offered and may include:

• Anti-theft, anti-violence or decision making sessions;
• Justice Circles;
• Restitution;
• Mediation;
• Mentoring

Volunteers for the program would be giving their time to either administrative functions or direct service to young people through participation in Justice Circles, or assisting in carrying out the intervention plan for that youth.  The Youth Justice Program provides the young person with an excellent opportunity to make amends for their actions.  For more information about the program, or to volunteer, contact the Program Coordinator at 519-271-9454.

L’Arche Stratford is a non-profit organization that is rooted in Christian principles and is committed to nurturing authentic community values.  It is a home for people with intellectual disabilities and those who share life with them.  At the heart of our community is the creation of relationships based on mutuality and respect.  Thus, all members of each home participate in and share daily life together.  Each person is uniquely valued and encouraged to grow in love, self-giving and wholeness, and to grow in independence, competence and the ability to make choices.  People are drawn to our community from all over the world, seeking a different way of life and bringing with them a wide range of beliefs, backgrounds and qualifications.  Started by Jean Vanier in France in 1964, L’Arche has become an international movement with over 130 communities throughout the world.  Founded in 1973 here in Stratford, L’Arche Stratford is one of the oldest L’Arche communities in North America.  For more information about how you can help, please call 519-271-9751.

One in five people in Ontario live with some kind of breathing problem.  The Lung Association provides education and support to people living with lung disease through such programs as BreathWorks and Asthma Action, and funds medical research into respiratory disease.  The Huron-Perth Community Office also offers a monthly support group for those living with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) as well as annual educational forums about asthma or COPD.   Information on lung health, smoking cessation and air quality is available at the Community Office in the Jenny Trout Centre as well as at www.on.lung.ca.
Volunteers are always welcome and needed to assist at health fairs and with fundraising events such as Tulip Day, The Amazing Pace, The Wild Ride and the Stratford Garden Festival.
For more information, please contact Jenn McCaw, Volunteer and Fund Development Coordinator for The Lung Association, Huron-Perth, at 519-271-7500 or jmccaw@on.lung.ca.

One Care Home & Community Support Services provides a range of supportive care services that enable seniors and people with disabilities to enjoy a good quality of life as they age at home.

The support we offer varies depending on the client and their unique situation, but can include services:

• in the home:  personal support, housekeeping, Meals on Wheels, and reassurance;
• in the community:  dining, exercise and wellness programs, and EasyRide transportation services

A wide range of volunteer opportunities help support these services.  A donation of your time will enrich the lives of our clients and provide peace of mind for caregivers.  Volunteers receive the full support they need for the important roles they provide.  Current volunteer opportunities include:

• Meals on Wheels drivers and runners
• Volunteer visitors
• Volunteer drivers
• Telephone reassurance volunteers
• Diners’ Club volunteers
• LIFE Group Exercise instructors
• CHAP Blood Pressure Clinic Volunteers

For more information, call Volunteer Coordinator Delia Huitema at 519-271-2217, ext. 26, or visit us online at www.onecaresupport.ca.  We are a proud United Way funded agency.

Perth Care for Kids is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to serving children and families throughout Perth County.  Our mission is to support “the importance of early childhood education and development by offering a variety of flexible, quality programs and services for children, families and caregivers.”  Programs and services include:

• Childcare center
• Nursery school and school-age programs
• Home and Emergency childcare

Perth Care for Kids also acts as the lead agency for the Perth-Middlesex Early Years Centre and satellite locations.  Our Early Years Centres provide educational programs and resources focused on children from 0-6 yrs.  We offer playgroups, drop-in programs, parent/caregiver workshops, resource lending, and trained staff to provide parental information and/or referrals to other agencies for specialized services.  Perth Care for Kids believes strongly in working together with community partners for the best interests on children and families.  Contact 519-348-8618.

At the Perth District Health Unit, our mission is to work in partnership with our community to foster conditions in which people can be healthy.  We promote health, protect health, prevent disease and provide community health services for the people of Perth County.  Some of our volunteer opportunities include mentoring local youth, helping at clinics, putting together information packages, or becoming an emergency response volunteer.  For a Volunteer Application form, please contact us at 519-271-7600, ext. 267 or toll free at 1-877-271-7348, ext. 267.  Visit us online at www.pdhu.on.ca. or follow us on Twitter at “PDHealthUnit”.

Town of St. Marys Home Support Services strives to promote wellness and enhance the quality of life of seniors, people recovering from illness or injury, and people with varying abilities by providing a variety of services to assist them in living independently in the community.

Together with the help of caring volunteers, Home Support Services offers a wide range of programs to promote independence such as:

• Meals on Wheels;
• Fitness programs; Foot care clinics;
• Shopping service; Home Help;
• Telephone reassurance, Friendly Visiting;
• Transportation to medical appointments

Our volunteers bring a wide range of skill-sets and experience to the table.  Above all, we value the diversity of our volunteers.  Perhaps your love for driving may lend itself to Meals on Wheels delivery while another person’s administrative skills can help us at the Welcoming Center.

Without volunteers, our services would be difficult to provide.  Becoming a volunteer for Home Support Services is very easy.  Please call us today at 519-284-3272, or, e-mail volunteer@town.stmarys.on.ca for more information.

The Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce is the prominent business association in Stratford and district that is linked with businesses across Canada through our involvement with both the Canadian and Ontario Chambers of Commerce.  Through our volunteers and members, we are committed to being the voice of business by championing economic prosperity and an exceptional quality of life.  We provide a forum for organizations and businesses to develop opinions and provide programs that resolve the concerns of area businesses.  We facilitate business and social contact among members through regular programs and special events, while highlighting the many achievements of businesses in our district.  Your volunteer work strengthens our local economy resulting in a thriving community that provides prosperity to residents.  Enthusiasm and community pride is all that is needed to volunteer with the Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce.  Please contact 519-273-5250 to discover how you can build the strength of our community.

The Stratford City Centre is Stratford’s only designated Business Improvement Area (BIA) with its boundaries being in downtown Stratford. During the year we hold events such as the Canada Day Celebration and Annual Classic Car Show in Market Square, Santa and Comet with carollers at Memorial Gardens and on York Street, Carriage Rides around downtown for special weekends plus we support downtown programming for Stratford Summer Music, Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival and the Slow Food Sunday Market.
We could use your help to execute our downtown events and your help throughout the year on event planning committees. You do not have to be located downtown to make a difference in its success.

www.stratford citycentre.ca | info@stratfordcitycentre.ca. | 519-273-2461

The Stratford Public Library is a community-owned organization committed to the open provision of library resources and services that will enhance personal and community quality of life.  In providing its services, the Library recognizes and values the important and vital contributions that volunteers make, and, from students to seniors, our volunteers help in a variety of areas that encompass both in-library and library outreach opportunities.  By contributing a few hours of your time, you, too, can support you Library’s commitment to providing excellent services to the community.  If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, we invite you to find out more by calling, coming in to the Library, or visiting the volunteer page at http://www.stratford.library.on.ca/volunteer.html

Since 1991, Stratford Perth Shelterlink (formerly S.A.A.I.L.) has been serving homeless youth and youth at risk for homelessness, aged 16-24 in Perth County.  We provide shelter, advocacy services and basic needs to homeless/at risk youth throughout Perth County.  Volunteers are regularly needed to assist with special events and fundraising activities, and to serve on its Board of Directors.  Volunteers with significant experience working with youth are also needed to train as front line volunteers in our Living Options for Youth Hostel Program.  For more information about us, visit our web site at www.shelterlink.org or call us at 519-272-2294.  A proud United Way member agency.

The mission of the United Way of Perth-Huron is to cultivate caring communities.  We achieve this aim by:

• addressing issues facing youth in Perth County and increasing youth engagement in our community;
• strengthening and improving the lives of families and individuals
• cultivating resources, partnerships and advocacy, and
• improving the quality of life and dignity of seniors.

For more information, including volunteer opportunities, please contact 519-271-7730.

Anyone can be victimized by a crime or affected by a tragedy.  Victim Services is a volunteer-based organization that provides immediate crisis assistance to victims of crime or tragic circumstance.  Our purpose is to bridge the gap from crisis to healing with compassionate support.  The people assisted by Victim Services may be victims of domestic assault, sexual assault, robbery, theft, elder abuse, fire, as well as family members of homicide, suicide, accident victims or sudden death.  Our specially trained Crisis Support volunteers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provide emotional support, practical assistance, information and referrals.  If you would life further information or are interested in a different kind of volunteer opportunity, please visit our web site at www.vsperth.ca, or contact us at 519-271-9998, 1-866-387-7773, or information@vsperth.ca.

A not-for-profit charitable organization, VON has been providing health and support services to the residents of Perth County since 1908.  Volunteers are a vital part of the VON Teams of Care, and together we provide services to enhance the quality of life for our community residents and help them to remain in their own homes and community.  VON provides a wide range of health and community support services, including:

• Wellness and Immunization clinics;
• Foot care;
• Adult Day programs;
• Alzheimer Walking program;
• SMART Seniors’ exercise classes;
• Visiting and shift nursing;
• Caregiver Education programs

For more information on how your precious volunteer hours might help others, please contact us at 519-271-7991, or visit www.von.ca.

The volunteers at Stratford General Hospital assist in a number of areas, including:

• Blood Services clinics;
• Information and direction to patient and out-patient areas;
• Coffee Shop and Gift Shop assistance;
• Magazine & book distribution to hospital lounges and waiting areas;
• H.E.L.P. Lottery operation assistance (for the purchase of hospital equipment);

Our dedicated volunteers are also an essential help with patients in:

• Palliative Care;
• Physiotherapy;
• Orthopedic Clinics;
• Mental Health;
• Day Surgery;
• Chronic Rehab

Please consider joining an active organization that has served the community for over one hundred years!  Call 519-272-8210, ext. 2551, or e-mail cheryl.hunt@hpha.ca