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15 · Thursday, April 15, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com National Volunteer Week April 18 - 24, 2010 VOLUNTEERS GROW COMMUNITY Oakville's Cheers to Volunteers Award Winners For the past five years, Volunteer Halton's National Volunteer Week Committee has held a random draw to honor outstanding volunteers nominated by local agencies to receive a gift and recognition for their tremendous hard work. With an overwhelming response this year, it is clear that Oakvillians are dedicated to enriching the lives of those in need. Introducing this years selected volunteers... Volunteering at the Oakville YMCA has always been something Cherly-Ann Renner, who is involved with the Get Started program, had wanted to do. Now that she has recently retired, it has left her with a lot more time to do just that. "Working out has always been a part of my life," she says. "Down the road I would like to become a personal trainer." No stranger to volunteering, Cherly-Ann has also been volunteering at the Oakville Hospital's gift store for the past three years. Wanting to give some advice to those who may be looking to follow in her footsteps she says, "You have to do something you really enjoy and want to help motivate people." Contributing to the community has always been an important value to Heather Hogan, award recipient for SAVIS. "An attitude of generosity and contribution is a true measure of success in life," she says. "As cliché as it sounds, these combined individual attitudes make the community and ourselves a better place." As a relatively new volunteer, Heather was surprised to hear she had been selected as a recipient. "I am appreciative of the recognition but really look forward to continue putting in more time and energy into SAVIS fundraising activities," she says. "There is a lot to do!" When asked what advice she would give other people interested in volunteering she said, "You have to realize that your time and talents are invaluable to organizations such as SAVIS. If you have a special interest and/or skills it is personally satisfying to feel like you are contributing to the organization but ultimately getting back so much in terms of learning, building friendships and supporting the community. It is important to find something right for you ­ sometimes this takes time but really you just have to jump-in." Ralph Delong joined the Volunteer workforce of Oakville Kiwanis Meals on Wheels in June of 2003. During the first three and a half years, Ralph delivered hot meals to clients on a weekly route. Ralph then had a change of duties as he volunteered to work in the office, again on a weekly basis to organize the packages of frozen food, ready for delivery every Wednesday morning. Ralph sorts the large number of packages to coordinate with the routes for the volunteers that deliver these meals. Ralph is one of the current 93 volunteers that give up their time to Oakville Kiwanis Meals on Wheels in their varying roles. Meals on Wheels This year Volunteer Halton has chosen three winners for the Cheers to Volenteers Award in Oakville. (From left) Cheryl-Ann Renner (on the tredmill) for the YMCA of Oakville, Heather Hogan for SAVIS and Ralph De Long (not available for photo) for Oakville Kiwanis- Meals on Wheels. delivers hot meals Monday ­ Friday to residents of Oakville and frozen meals every Wednesday. The service helps residents remain independent and in their own homes as well as providing a social contact and security check that all is well. Oakville Kiwanis Meals on Wheels are grateful to Ralph for his ongoing dedication and to all our volunteers who put the heart in our organization and make it all possible. Volunteer Halton proudly thanks and honours these exceptional people and their dedication to volunteer week in the community. Halton Multicultural Council With heartfelt thanks we recognize our 288 volunteers at the Halton Multicultural Council who have given a total of 12, 903 hours of their time! Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. - Elizabeth Andrew Thank you Acclaim Health Volunteers! Thank you to our 856 dedicated volunteers for making a positive difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals in need every year. Interested in volunteering, contact us today! 905-827-8800 ext. 2317 volunteering@acclaimhealth.ca www.acclaimhealth.ca Alzheimer Services Community Support Services Corporate Wellness Nursing Personal Support Services For more information please contact: Sanaz Taghavi 905-842-2486 ext. 240 or staghavi@halton-multicultural.org THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS Your time and talents are greatly appreciated Georgetown: 905-873-6502 Acton: 519-853-3310 Oakville: 905-844-0252