About
Working Towards a Better Tomorrow
For over four decades, the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence – Rideau, proudly serving Leeds & Grenville, has stood as a beacon of community empowerment. Our enduring dedication has been pivotal in shaping the fabric of our society. Through a multifaceted approach, we’ve consistently provided invaluable leadership opportunities, an array of tailored programs and services, adept volunteer recruitment, and seamless referrals for non-profit organizations. Our efforts have been deeply rooted in cultivating a profound sense of belonging and fostering inclusivity within the vibrant tapestry of the Leeds & Grenville communities.
At the core of our mission lies an unyielding commitment to enhancing the lives of every individual within our community. We achieve this noble pursuit through a multifaceted strategy. Our comprehensive financial well-being programs and services stand as pillars of support, ensuring that every member can navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. Additionally, we champion active participation and societal contributions through the spirit of volunteerism, instilling a sense of purpose and unity among our community members.
Our unwavering dedication to the holistic betterment of our community serves as the driving force behind our initiatives. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered, we aim to create a brighter, more interconnected future for Leeds & Grenville. Together, we stride forward, enriching lives, and shaping a community where each person’s potential can flourish. Join us as we continue to make a meaningful difference, one life at a time.
Mission
Fostering excellence and leadership in volunteerism through programs, services and support.
Vision
A vibrant, caring community where volunteers enrich lives and people feel connected.
Values
Respectful and Inclusive | Passionate and Fun | Collaborative | Adaptable
Our Staff
Frank Rockett
Executive Director
ed@volunteercentre.ca
(613) 499-9393
Nichole Lapointe
Administrative Assistant
info@volunteercentre.ca
(613) 499-9393
Our Board Members
Thank you to the local volunteers who share their time and expertise as members of the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau Board of Directors. These committed volunteers are responsible for key areas such as strategic planning, quality operations, fundraising, oversight, and financial stewardship.
Thank you for your support.
Victoria Redekopp | Board Chair
Nishunk Saxena | Treasurer
Ramika Batra | Secretary
Tina Marples | Director
Our 2025 AGM reviewing the 2024 Activities and Financials will be held on June 19th 2025.
Please contact the office if you wish to attend.
Our History
Our future in the making.
The Volunteer Centre was founded as the Volunteer Bureau in 1981 due to the vision of dedicated community activist Betty Haley.
The need for a coordinated approach to assist nonprofit organizations with their volunteer needs was made evident to Betty while she was working on a YMCA volunteer engagement project.
She quickly realized that many organizations did not have the capacity to actively recruit volunteers and thought it would be beneficial to have an organization that could act as a broker or clearing house for volunteers.
Discussion with other concerned community members resulted in a seven member steering committee and the formation of an elected board.
The Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville’s doors opened April 1st, 1981. The organization became a registered charity on January 1st, 1991 and was incorporated on July 14, 2000.
Several additional programs were founded under Betty’s tenure as Executive Director including:
- Drivers Program – a program to drive seniors and low income individuals to doctors’ appointments
- Community Income Tax Program
- Mayors’ Community Walk which provides local area nonprofits the opportunity to raise funds and highlights the work of volunteers in our community.
Thirty years later the Centre continues to offer the successful Income Tax Program. The Drivers Program was moved to the Victorian Order of Nurses in May 2002. The Mayor’s Walk was eventually replaced by new fundraising initiatives.
After 22 years of dedicated service Betty Haley retired on June 1, 2003 with Cheryl Marshall becoming the new Executive Director.
Cheryl made many contributions to the Centre during her four year tenure. She was instrumental in coordinating the work of United Way member agencies to support the United Way campaign through successful stew luncheons. She left the Centre in 2007 to pursue another exciting opportunity in our community.
Frank Rockett took over the helm as Executive Director in 2007 upon Cheryl’s departure. Frank worked to raise the Centre’s profile in the community while placing an emphasis on sustainability. He developed several new initiatives, including the Resource Rental Program, the Dancing Stars of Leeds Grenville fundraiser and collaborated with the OVCN on the ChangetheWorld Youth Volunteer Challenge. Frank left the organization in September 2013 to pursue a new opportunity.
Over the years, our organization has expanded. On our 30th anniversary, we became the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence – Rideau Serving Leeds & Grenville.
On February 12, 2014, Harold Hess became the new Centre Manager until his retirement in May of 2020. Harold provided leadership throughout the sector and kept the Centre active in the community.
From 2020 – 2023 Mary Lynn Villeneuve, who had been with the Volunteer Centre in various capacities for several years, was appointed Centre Manager and carried the Volunteer Centre through some challenging times during the pandemic. She strengthened programs such as the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), a new Financial Literacy Program, as well as the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), while volunteer recruitment and referral continued to be vital programs to help residents and organizations of Leeds and Grenville. Mary Lynn stepped down as Centre Manager in July of 2023 to pursue another opportunity.
In September of 2023, former Executive Director, Frank Rockett, returned to the organization to fulfill this role once again. Frank has committed to maintaining the many poverty reduction programs that have greatly benefitted the community while working to strengthen our volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition programs to serve both community volunteers and the organizations that they benefit.
Frank and Centre staff are committed to serving our community, our volunteers, and our organizations. We are looking forward to continuing our journey and recognize that our successes are because of our dedicated volunteers and the leadership of our volunteer Board of Directors as well as the support of our many donors and funders.