General

Giving Tuesday isn’t just a global movement, it’s a moment when people choose to strengthen the places they call home. Here in Leeds & Grenville, few organizations deliver as much practical, hands-on community impact as the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence–Rideau.

If you believe in strong families, resilient communities, and neighbours helping neighbours, then the Volunteer Centre is exactly the kind of organization worth supporting today.

Why Your Donation Matters More Than Ever

The Volunteer Centre has always operated with lean resources and a “make every dollar count” philosophy. But demand for its services has grown sharply, particularly in areas that support stability, self-reliance, and quality of life for local families.

Your donation helps sustain three core community pillars:

1. Connecting Volunteers with the Organizations That Keep Our Communities Strong

From food banks to seniors’ programs to youth initiatives, over 40 local organizations rely on the Volunteer Centre to match them with capable, motivated volunteers.

A single well-placed volunteer can save a charity thousands of dollars in labour costs, dollars that go back into direct services instead of overhead.
Your gift fuels the engine that powers volunteerism across the entire region.

2. Supporting Individuals Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, delivered by the Volunteer Centre in partnership with the CRA, helps local residents to file their income tax returns.

This service helps people gain access to:

• Income Tax refunds
• Trillium, GST and other benefits
• Access to programs like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

A small investment can help stabilize someone’s entire life.
Your donation becomes the safety net that keeps families more resilient.

3. Strengthening Local Nonprofits Through Volunteer Matching, Resources, and Support

Most small charities in the region operate on shoestring budgets. They need expertise, structure, and guidance to keep doing great work.

The Volunteer Centre provides:

• Promotion of local volunteer opportunities
• Monthly articles and resources that build sector knowledge
• A centralized hub that saves organizations time and money

When you support the Volunteer Centre, you aren’t helping one charity, you’re strengthening dozens.

Your donation helps sustain three core community pillars:

1. Connecting Volunteers with the Organizations That Keep Our Communities Strong

From food banks to seniors’ programs to youth initiatives, over 40 local organizations rely on the Volunteer Centre to match them with capable, motivated volunteers.

A single well-placed volunteer can save a charity thousands of dollars in labour costs, dollars that go back into direct services instead of overhead.
Your gift fuels the engine that powers volunteerism across the entire region.

2. Supporting Individuals Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, delivered by the Volunteer Centre in partnership with the CRA, helps local residents to file their income tax returns.

This service helps people gain access to:

• Income Tax refunds
• Trillium, GST and other benefits
• Access to programs like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

A small investment can help stabilize someone’s entire life.
Your donation becomes the safety net that keeps families more resilient.

3. Strengthening Local Nonprofits Through Volunteer Matching, Resources, and Support

Most small charities in the region operate on shoestring budgets. They need expertise, structure, and guidance to keep doing great work.

The Volunteer Centre provides:

• Promotion of local volunteer opportunities
• Monthly articles and resources that build sector knowledge
• A centralized hub that saves organizations time and money

When you support the Volunteer Centre, you aren’t helping one charity, you’re strengthening dozens.

The Challenge: The Volunteer Centre Needs Your Help to Continue These Vital Programs

Despite its impact, the Volunteer Centre is not top-of-mind for many donors. It’s the quiet, behind-the-scenes backbone that keeps everything else running.

But today, on Giving Tuesday, you can change that.

Your donation:

• Connects potential volunteers with opportunities to serve
• Ensures the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program has the administrative support it needs to function
• Strengthens organizations that serve thousands of people across Leeds & Grenville

This is what practical; local philanthropy looks like.

A Gift That Stays Local and Works Hard

Every dollar you give supports people here, in your community, families, seniors, youth, neighbours.

If you believe in:

• Local action over big bureaucracy
• Practical solutions over empty talk
• Community resilience built from the ground up

Then the Volunteer Centre is exactly the kind of organization that deserves your support today.

Give Today. Strengthen Our Community for Tomorrow.

This Giving Tuesday, your donation is more than charity, it’s an investment in a stronger, safer, more connected Leeds & Grenville.

Donate today at volunteercentre.ca

Help us ensure that volunteerism, and the people who rely on it, continue to thrive.

Compassion fatigue is a form of burnout that occurs when individuals, particularly those in helping professions or roles, become overwhelmed by the emotional and physical demands of caring for others. It’s characterized by feelings of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. For non-profit staff and volunteers, who often work closely with individuals facing challenging circumstances, compassion fatigue can be a significant issue.

Compassion fatigue can impact on Non-profit Staff and Volunteers in many ways. Constant exposure to the suffering of others can drain individuals emotionally, leading to feelings of fatigue and depletion. Over time, individuals may start to detach themselves emotionally from their work and the people they serve as a coping mechanism, leading to a sense of detachment or cynicism. Despite their efforts, individuals experiencing compassion fatigue may feel like they are not making a meaningful difference, leading to decreased motivation and job satisfaction.

There are some meaningful ways to cope with compassion fatigue and leaders in the sector, who may also be experiencing fatigue, can help staff and volunteers to overcome the symptoms.

Encouraging staff and volunteers to prioritize their own well-being is crucial. This includes promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition.

Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life can help prevent emotional exhaustion. Encourage individuals to take breaks, disconnect from work during non-work hours, and engage in activities they enjoy.

Providing opportunities for staff and volunteers to connect with and support each other can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community, while offering training on stress management, resilience-building, and coping strategies can equip individuals with the tools they need to manage the emotional demands of their work effectively.

Regular supervision sessions and access to counseling services can provide a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and seek support when needed. This coupled with rotating tasks and responsibilities can prevent individuals from becoming overwhelmed by a particular aspect of their work and provide opportunities for skill development and variety.

Recognizing and celebrating the impact of their work, no matter how small, can help individuals maintain a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Often recognition in the workplace can help to build team spirit and a shared sense of belonging that helps individuals to feel appreciated and supported.

By implementing these strategies, non-profit organizations can support their staff and volunteers in managing compassion fatigue and promoting overall well-being, thus ensuring they can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others while maintaining a positive sense of self and accomplishment.

As the tax season approaches, many individuals and families may find themselves navigating the complexities of filing their income taxes. However, for those with an income below $38,000 per year or families earning below $45,000, there’s a valuable resource available: the CVITP Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Hosted by the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau, this initiative offers free tax filing services to eligible individuals, providing numerous benefits that can help maximize refunds and ease the tax-filing process.

Accessible Expertise

One of the primary advantages of utilizing the CVITP program is access to knowledgeable volunteers who are trained to assist with tax preparation. These volunteers possess the expertise to navigate various tax credits, deductions, and benefits, ensuring that eligible individuals and families receive the maximum refund possible. Whether it’s identifying potential deductions or optimizing tax credits, these volunteers offer personalized assistance tailored to each individual’s financial situation.

Free of Charge

Cost should never be a barrier to accessing essential services, especially when it comes to fulfilling tax obligations. The CVITP program operates on a volunteer basis, meaning that individuals and families eligible for the program can receive assistance with their tax filings at no cost. By removing financial barriers, this program ensures that everyone, regardless of income level, can access the support they need to file their taxes accurately and efficiently.

Maximize Refunds

Filing taxes can be a daunting task, especially for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the tax system. However, with the assistance of the CVITP program, individuals and families can rest assured that their returns will be handled with care and attention to detail. By leveraging the expertise of trained volunteers, eligible participants can identify opportunities to maximize their refunds, potentially unlocking additional funds that can be put towards savings, debt repayment, or essential expenses.

Compliance and Peace of Mind

Tax compliance is essential for maintaining financial stability and avoiding potential penalties or audits. By participating in the CVITP program, individuals and families can ensure that their tax returns are completed accurately and in accordance with Canadian tax laws. This not only provides peace of mind but also reduces the risk of encountering issues with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in the future.

Community Support

Beyond the tangible benefits of tax preparation assistance, the CVITP program fosters a sense of community and support for individuals and families in need. By volunteering their time and expertise, community members come together to help their neighbors navigate the complexities of the tax system. This spirit of generosity and collaboration strengthens social bonds and creates a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

How to Participate

If you meet the income eligibility criteria outlined above and reside in the Leeds and Grenville area, participating in the CVITP program is simple. Contact the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau to schedule an appointment or inquire about drop-in hours. Be sure to bring all relevant tax documents and identification to your appointment, and our dedicated volunteers will guide assist you with the tax filing process.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program offers a valuable resource for individuals and families with modest incomes, providing free tax preparation services to help maximize refunds, ensure compliance, and foster community support. By taking advantage of this program, eligible participants can navigate the tax-filing process with confidence and ease, ultimately securing their financial well-being for the future. Visit volunteercentre.ca for program details.

Large numbers of social media followers can be important to a volunteer centre for several reasons.

A larger follower count means a wider audience for our messages and updates. This increases the potential reach of our volunteer opportunities, events, and campaigns.

More followers can lead to increased engagement with the volunteer centre’s content. This can translate to more people participating in volunteer activities, spreading the word about our initiatives, and ultimately contributing to the centre’s mission.

High follower counts can signal credibility and trustworthiness to potential volunteers, partners, and funders. People may be more inclined to get involved with or support an organization that has a large and active online community.

A large social media following can attract the attention of other organizations, influencers, and stakeholders in the community or sector. This opens up opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and networking, which can benefit the volunteer centre in various ways.

A larger online following can also facilitate fundraising efforts. With more visibility, the volunteer centre can attract donations, sponsorships, and other forms of support from individuals, businesses, and grant-making organizations.

Overall, while the quality of engagement and the impact of our volunteer centre’s work are crucial, a significant social media following can enhance our organization’s ability to achieve its goals and expand its reach within the community.

COVID-19 Making This Time Count.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caught many people and not-for-profit associations by surprise. Fundraising events have been cancelled, offices have been closed, and volunteer meetings have been put off until further notice.

Even though we have been instructed to be apart at this time due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, we can also find ways to remain a part of our community while alone indoors. After all, doing good for others in creative ways is also good for our own mental health and wellbeing, particularly when we’re bombarded by so much dark news, fear and anxiety.

There are plenty of enjoyable volunteer activities we can do indoors while we’re asked to isolate. Here are ten ideas to get you thinking.

• Knitting hats and blankets for a maternity ward.
• Using graphic design skills to put together a newsletter for your association.
• Writing new articles for an out-of-date website.
• Taking stock photographs and still images for your not-for-profit.
• Getting on the telephone and giving each of your donors a personal call.
• Following up with all of your volunteers. Seeing how they are doing and letting them know how much you appreciate them.
• Planning future fundraising events for your organization.
• Catching up with the accounting and statistics of your association.
• Looking up best practices for similar not-for-profits in other cities.
• Contacting other groups to discuss partnership opportunities.

Remember through this all you have to take care of yourself and your family. We will get through this as a community and as a country. Let’s all try to make the best of a tough situation.

Spring into Spring at the Upcoming Job Fair

Springtime can be a great time to make a career move. With the weather getting warmer outside, travelling to meet employers becomes easier and safer on roads that aren’t as covered in snow and ice. Positive temperatures can also make it easier to dress the part for interviews and look your best. On top of that, many companies have set their budgets for the year ahead, and their hiring managers are actively looking for talent. This is your time to shine!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 27^th, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Brockville’s Memorial Centre, for the Spring Job Fair. This is a chance to explore areas of opportunity in the local market, and to learn more about specific industries and organizations that are hiring. It is also an opportunity to connect face-to-face with employment agencies that can help you best showcase the skills and strengths that you bring to the table.

Walking around to the different booths of employers and being among a sea of other candidates might feel like an information overload, and it is ok to feel a little nervous. While it is not an audition for Canada’s Got Talent, it is still like a mini-interview. So with that in mind, you need to bring you’re “A” game. Capturing an employer’s attention by selling yourself in a very short amount of time means you need to be prepared.

Here are some tips to think about:

Update your resume. You need a solid summary of your qualifications and experience that tells a company why they should consider you. Bring more than enough copies of your resume to hand out.  If you need help with updating your resume or interview skills, know that you can always reach out to the Employment + Education Centre for assistance.

Research ahead of time what companies are going to be in attendance, especially the ones you would most like to work for. You can think of questions to ask recruiters when you are considering specific companies.

Dress accordingly. Make sure you dress professionally. There’s no need for a tuxedo or ball gown, but do take some time to pick out a professional outfit and get a haircut ahead of the event to help you look like a more prepared and serious candidate.

Practice your pitch. Don’t be afraid to put in some mirror time, and imagine yourself speaking with a prospective employer. Make sure a warm smile and firm handshake are part of your first impression. Introduce yourself clearly and be willing to listen.

Arrive a little early. As they say, “the early bird gets the worm,” and you may want to take a brief walk around when you first arrive to confirm which companies are in attendance and think about who you may want to talk to first. This will help you prioritize your time, and think about some good questions to ask.

Silence your phone. Nothing is worse than having noises like beeping or buzzing interrupt a meaningful conversation with a potential employer. Before you head inside, it would be good to turn off your phone or at least the ringer.

Be creative and flexible. Having a positive attitude and a willingness to try something new might be the ticket to get your foot in the door with a good company. Show yourself as a person that others will want to work with.

Keep in touch. Secure as many contacts as you can, and always remember to follow up with employers after the event. Pick up business cards and make notes about who you would like to thank within a few days of speaking with them at the Job Fair.

Hang in there and stay positive. Making a meaningful, polite and memorable follow-up every month or two after making a connection will keep you on the employer’s mind when a job comes up that could be a great fit for you. Also be sure to keep up with your education and volunteering to keep your skills sharp and your resume relevant.

To learn more about the upcoming Job Fair, please visit:  https://www.eecentre.com/

Matching Donations and Volunteer Interests by Maureen McCague

Christmas comes but once a year, and many of us have a great deal to be thankful for. As we pause and reflect about the joys and opportunities of the past year, may we also be mindful, and open our hearts and pockets to others in need.

The Volunteer Centre has a number of different postings available during the Christmas break and throughout the winter season ahead. Volunteering in our community as the temperatures drop outside can be a perfect way to warm hearts on the inside.

For those willing to share some hours or free days of time as 2019 comes to a close, contact the Volunteer Centre and see what opportunities await to put your skills and talents to use.

Those of us with more demanding personal schedules may find it easier to give back by making a financial donation to a not-for-profit organization.

Why not post-date a cheque before the year’s end, and enjoy the tax deduction on your next income tax return? Free your calendar for egg nog, holiday movies, and visits with relatives by scheduling a donation for a December date of your choice.

Both time and money are important for our local charities to thrive.

One local charity we would like to highlight is the United Way of Leeds and Grenville, because an anonymous donor has stepped forward with up to $10,000 in matching funds – meaning that from now until December 20^th, any amount you donate to the United Way will be doubled.

Donations to the United Way, both big and small, are investments that go directly back to the people in our community through programs and services, including emergency shelter and transitional housing supports.

The United Way also has programs to help local children, and provides support to members of our community who have been abused, or that are facing challenges related to mental health and disabilities.

For more information on donating to the United Way, visithttps://www.uwlg.org/or call their office at 613-342-8889.

Happy 35th Annual International Volunteer Day!

December 5th marks the 35th Annual International Volunteer Day. The Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau celebrates the work of all volunteers in our community – whether 40 hours a week, or 4 hours a month.

To mark the 35th Annual International Volunteer Day, we have set a goal of attracting 35 new volunteers to register with us in the month of December. Make it an early resolution before New Year’s!

Thinking about Volunteering? Here are a few burning questions you may be asking yourself:

Firstly, why volunteer? Volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things! Being part of something big or small is meaningful, and let’s face it, it feels amazing! Volunteering is good for our health and statistics back this up. Volunteering more in our community keeps us connected – it’s tough to be lonely when we’re helping others!

We also get to increase our sense of purpose when we share our talents and keep our skills sharp. Why not ask a friend that volunteers to share their experiences with you?

Who can volunteer? Anyone! Children may volunteer with their parents, and anyone ages 15 and up, living in one of the our area communities: Athens, Brockville, Cardinal, Elgin, Gananoque, Kemptville, Merrickville, North Grenville, North Leeds, Portland, Prescott, South Grenville, South Leeds, Spencerville, and Westport.

What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available? Whether you are more interested in opportunities to connect with others, or to work with your hands, there are a wide variety of different postings on our Volunteer Centre website.

When are volunteers needed? Volunteers are needed for all kinds of reasons during all the different seasons of the year. All of our member agencies are not-for-profits that appreciate having more hands on deck to help offer more programs and services that benefit our community.

Where do I go to find out more information to volunteer? Simply call the Volunteer Centre at (613) 498-2111 x 374 or email us at info@volunteercentre.ca. Our dedicated team will work with you to find the right fit for your talents and interests.

Did you know:

International Volunteer Day (IVD) was formally adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in December 1985. Since then, IVD takes place annually to shine light on the impact of volunteer efforts everywhere. Volunteers are leading social change around the world. This special day promotes the work of volunteers at all levels, including local, national and international. For more information, please visit the United Nations Volunteers website.

In our community, there are men and women, young and old, from all walks of life making a difference each day. To all of you that give freely of your time and of yourselves, we want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do. So many different community programs and services would not be possible without our volunteers. You are truly our unsung heroes.