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THURSDAY, April 22, 2010 4 Pages HALTON AWARDS Halton Region hands out awards to local volunteers PAGE 2 BECOME A VOLUNTEER There are lots of opportunities to volunteer in the community PAGE 4 SALUTE TO VOLUNTEERS Special pullout section Volunteers-- On the frontlines of service By EMILY YATES Special to The Independent & Free Press Volunteers on the frontline of all community services and activities are celebrated this week during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24. In Halton Hills volunteers are an integral part of the operation of Halton's many social services. Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills (CAShh) has a team of dedicated members, and 61-year-old Patricia Stocks is one of the many passionate about her task. "Cancer is something we've all been touched by," says Stocks, a CAShh driver for a year shuttling patients between home and hospital visits. CAShh offers volunteers flexible hours, thus enabling them to volunteer when they are able. "It's so flexible, you didn't feel like you were stuck," says Stocks, who retired from a 33-year career as a flight attendant with Air Canada in 2004. A few years after retirement, she wanted to get out and do something. "I thought, `oh gee, that's right up my alley! I love driving'," recalls Stocks, about when she first heard about CAShh. "I was just so impressed when I walked in there. The girls in there are all so kind." Stocks adds there hasn't been one occasion where a patron hasn't been appreciative of the drivers. "I absolutely enjoy doing it," says Stocks. "I think it's the best kind of volunteering you can do." Links2Care's Meals on Wheels program delivers food to almost 60 homes across Georgetown and Acton. Bill and Ellen Van Liefland have been delivering food on a volunteer basis for about 20 years. The Van Lieflands have been in Georgetown for six years and making deliveries for five. Previously, they lived in Mississauga and spent about 15 years delivering there as well. "We just wanted to get involved in the community," says 73-year-old Ellen, who worked at Sears until she retired. "It makes both of us feel good." The Van Lieflands deliver 10 to 12 hot meals a day. They begin their route around 11 a.m. and finish around 12:30 p.m. They see people from all walks of life. Most on the receiving end are between 70 and 80 years old, but they do have a few younger clients. "It opens your eyes to what society is really like," says 78-year-old Bill, who worked as a manager at an office equipment store until his retirement. "They're all thankful. Sometimes it's like they're waiting for you." See VOLUNTEEERS on pg. 3 Carly Bravo, 20, volunteers at Stewarttown Middle School life skills program, special needs baseball and soccer programs, and is the props girl at the volunteer-run community theatre group, Georgetown Little Theatre. Photo by Ted Brown TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE Thanks to all our Volunteers at Georgetown Hospital! During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18 ­ 24, the Georgetown Hospital would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers. Close to 150 dedicated men, women and youth regularly contribute their time and talents to over 20 hospital services. They enhance the care and comfort of our patients and visitors, while providing much appreciated assistance to staff as well. Thank you to our amazing volunteers as we celebrate all they contribute to our hospital. Call: 905-873-0111 ext. 8153 Email: jcowen@haltonhealthcare.on.ca Log on to: www.haltonhealthcare.com