QOTD - Volunteering

[Ms Zimmy]

If you could or do volunteer, where? Why?

With my organization, I get 8 hours a month off work to volunteer. I am starting to think about with who, where would you?

[bradm]

With my organization, I get 8 hours a month off work to volunteer. I am starting to think about with who

Ms_Z, you might want to check out

http://www.volunteerottawa.ca/

Aloha,

Brad

[bokonon]

I'd volunteer for the St. Leornard's society. I've seen the work they do actually have an effect on my community so I know they're not just a charity to get tax breaks and employ their friends and family. They take care of all sorts of issues that surround poverty, like homelessness, food banks, clothing drives, employment couselling etc.

[Birdy]

I'd volunteer at the local hospital. I actually signed myself up at one point but I travel too much and they needed someone who could be there like clock work. Chatham's ridiculously short staffed as far as anything medical goes.

I've been checking out this website lately and it seems very cool.. if you're into travel and developmental projects. They have a whole listing of short term abroad programs too which is great for those of us with a certain number of vacation days a year.

[StoneMtn]

For things like this, I always think in terms of some sort of animal shelter or rescue group; but there are many other worthy causes.

[Jaimoe]

I've been thinking about joining Heritage Toronto, which is a group that works to maintain and protect heritage sites and buildings (amongst other things). I'm continually sickened and enraged when I witness historical buildings demolished by developers and I'm an urbanist, so Heritage Toronto should be a worthwhile organization to join.

http://www.heritagetoronto.org/home.show

[meggo]

when i was a kid i volunteered at the SPCA in chatham and i loved it. this spring i worked with habitat for humanity and i loved that too. they have an ottawa chapter or you can get involved with global village and go somewhere else.

as far as other local organizations... i actually have my students do projects on this... depends on what you're interested in, there are so many!

[djmelbatoast]

I volunteer with community radio.

It might not be a hospital or animal shelter, but I think it's important.

[questcequecest?]

My employer promotes volunteering too. I'm a Trail Monitor for the Bruce Trail Association.

This consists of walking sections of the Bruce Trail (at least) 6 times per year, and reporting any damages to structures, or impassable sections of trail to the Trail Captain, who organizes a work party to fix it (a bunch of retired old guys).

I went for a nice walk today!

[Ms Zimmy]

trail monitor, that's interesting. I would put up a gate and make people pay a toll

I've been looking into a search and rescue groupe based in Quebec. They train you and when people get lost or missing, they call.

[Sarahbelle]

I have volunteered at many places and all have been great experiances.

I volunteered at Mohawk Radio station until my show got cancelled.. grrr..

Right now I am volunteering with Best Buddies.. it's through community living, and you hang out with an Adult with intellectual disabilities. It's fun so far!!

[StoneMtn]

Mohawk Radio in Muskoka (broadcasted from Wahta Road, or something like that)?

I really dig that station, if it's the right one. I always listen on my way through.

[Sarahbelle]

lol nope... it's Mohawk College radio

[StoneMtn]

Oh! Sorry. I thought it was "Hawk Radio" run by the Mohawks in Muskoka; which is really cool. You hear unknown First Nations Bands, interspersed with cool blues and Canadiana. (Wrong station, though.)

[ollie]

Right now I am volunteering with Best Buddies.. it's through community living, and you hang out with an Adult with intellectual disabilities. It's fun so far!!

Hanging with Booche counts as volunteer work?

[Sarahbelle]

.... haha nope.. I don't really knw Booche that well.. does he need a buddy??