The following is a collection of real life success stories where volunteers have made a palpable contribution to their community and the individual lives of those within it.
 

Real Life Success Story

"I want to leave my mark and do the best that I can.  Volunteering keeps me busy.  It's better than sitting at home and watching TV."

- Michael Ager, 18, Maitland, Ontario,
2005 winner of the Dawn Cowan Memorial Award for outstanding volunteer efforts.

"It's a good cause and it helps out the community.  It helps youth if they're hurt or something.  They can always have a number to call and we get them help"

- Nicole Kelsey, North Augusta, Ontario.

Real Life Success Story

Real Life Success Story

"I don't really know why I volunteer.  It kind of makes me feel good when I do.  I had to get some community service hours (for high school credit)...and I kind of got addicted...I keep wanting to help.

- Kristin Evans, Brockville, Ontario.

"In my school, special needs students attend separate classes, eat their lunch in their classroom and have very little to do with the student body as a whole.  During the summer, with the permission of the Resource Teacher and Principal, I researched and organized C.A.R.E.S. (creating a real life experience for students).  After setting up a committee, we recruited volunteers.  The main goal of C.A.R.E.S was to integrate special needs students with the rest of the student body.  Those involved in the program found that they benefited from their time spent with their fellow students.  Integration proved to be a two way street."

- Anita Turner, 17, Delta, British Columbia

"It was my first time volunteering for this sort of event and I was nervous.  I was afraid I might say the wrong things to seniors about their disabilities.  The youth who planned the service project and delivered the training made me feel more prepared to help out.

After the event, I felt great.  Making a senior smile is the best feeling in the world!  It was something that I'll never forget and I won't have any anxiety about offering my aid to seniors again.  Perhaps next time I will plan my own service project to get other people involved.

- Jonathan Aylward, 15, St. John's, Newfoundland.

"One day when I was helping my Grandma in her yard, I noticed her elderly neighbour, Henry, struggling with his lawn mower.  Grandma told me that Henry has no family or friends for support.  I left my Grandma's that day feeling unhappy.  Then I realized that I have something to offer!  After all, I like helping out.  so, I set out to adopt Henry.  He was a little hard to talk to at first, but now he's great.  We laugh and talk about so many things.  I help with his yard work and we go grocery shopping together.  My Grandma says Henry has started to socialize with the neighbours and he seems to smile more.  I have found a project that makes a visible difference in someone's life - Henry's."

- Renee Williams, 25, Calgary, Alberta

"I work as a volunteer for the Auxiliary firefighters Association in the Monteregie region.  When there is a fire, I go on-site.  I am responsible for the installation of mobile showers, and a small shelter where I serve hot and cold drinks and water to the victims, the firefighters and the emergency service.  An old bus has been renovated to allow the delivery of first aid to the injured.  I am now also capable of giving first aid."

- Eric Lacroix, Longueuil, QC.

Your story could be here...

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