Drop in centre needs more volunteers, 'I would be in dream land if I could find a permanent person': volunteer co-ordinator
Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Jessica Cunha
Click to Enlarge
EMC News - The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre's Ontario Early Years Centre in Carp is desperate for volunteers. 
Jessica Cunha, Metroland
PLAY TIME: Allie, 19 months, and her mom Jill VandenEykel attend the Ontario Early Years Centre's drop-in program in Carp almost every Tuesday and Thursday.
The drop-in program for young children and their parents and caregivers at the Carp Memorial Hall is currently staffed by one community resource member.
The centre is looking for volunteers who could donate some time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, said Laine Johnson, the volunteer resources co-ordinator for the resource centre.
"Just to have someone to ease everyone's experience in staffing it and to keep the program running... I would be in dream land if I could find a permanent person," said Johnson.
The centre was bustling with children and their parents and caregivers on Thursday, Jan. 19.
Children played with toys and puzzles, glued sparkly cutouts on paper plate masks and rolled Play-Doh into shapes. Moms, dads and caregivers watched over their charges while catching up with friends.
Teresa Bellomo said the program means a lot to her and her daughters, Grace, 20 months, and Fiona, 3.
"It's a small town," said Bellomo, who lives in rural Kanata. "The kids get to know each other, the moms get to know each other."
Jill VandenEykel has been attending the drop in for four years, first with her son who is now in school, and now with her daughter Allie, 19 months.
"She gets to play with other kids her age," said VandenEykel, who lives in Kanata north.
HIGH ATTENDANCE
The drop-in program, which is open to children from infancy to age 6, has a very high attendance rate, with about 25 or more children attending on Tuesdays and anywhere from 17 children and above dropping in on Thursdays, said Johnson.
"My perfect world is to find that perfect individual who can assist one day a week," she said.
"By having the volunteers' support it frees up the WOCRC team," Johnson added.
The drop-in centre, which has been operating for 22 years in the West Carleton area, offers activities and free play for children including arts and crafts, games, songs and stories.
Some of the duties of a volunteer would be to help set up and clean up after activities and interact with the children from about 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
TrainiNg provided
Volunteers would receive training onsite, said Johnson.
"Just someone who has a commitment to children and volunteering," she said.
"I'd be grateful for anyone who felt they had a like-minded interest. We just have to find that person and get them there."
Anyone looking for more information or interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Johnson at 613-591-3686, ext. 280.
blog comments powered by Disqus
