A volunteer's story : 'I want to give back to my community'

A volunteer's story

`I want to give back to my community'

RON STITT Special to The IFP Like so many of us living in Halton Hills I leave for work before dusk and return as the sun is setting. Like many of you, I am busy with my family and my career and seem to have little time left to pursue personal interests-- let alone volunteer! But I knew that I had some valuable skills and I wanted to do something for my community-- I just wasn't sure where my attributes were best served. As time progressed, I got busy with other commitments and my interest in volunteering waned. It was not until my neighbor asked me how I gave back to our community that I began thinking about volunteering again. Since my neighbour was involved with United Way, I thought that would be a good place to start. I found it hard to believe, living in a community with an average family income of almost $80,000 a year and many of us prospering, that there are still thousands of people in the region falling through the cracks. And the cracks are getting wider. In the past, it's been easier for me to make a donation and ignore the reality of what is transpiring right under my feet. See UNITED, pg. 2

Ron Stitt wanted to help his community and for the past three years has been serving on the United Way of Halton Hills' Board of Directors. Photo by Ted Brown

United Way volunteer urges involvement

Continued from pg. 1 I talked to my neighbour to find out how I could get involved with the United Way of Halton Hills. In 2003, I joined her and a number of other people from Acton and Georgetown on the Board of Directors. After almost three years of volunteering with the organization I recognize that giving is more than signing a cheque. It is taking the time to examine the cause and think of those in need. And the need does exist in Halton Hills. Many social service organizations in our community experience the same challenges-- and they are not all financial. There is a huge challenge to engage our community and cultivate new volunteers. There are many ways to become involved and I would encourage you to explore what opportunities would suit your lifestyle, skills and interests. Once I became involved with the United Way, my family and friends became more aware of how volunteering makes Halton Hills a better place to live. United Way is an outstanding volunteer organization that cares for the social wellbeing of our community. On a daily basis, agencies supported by the United Way of Halton Hills touch the lives of people of all ages and all walks of life. In fact, one in three people in Halton Hills are touched in one way or another by the United Way. I have been able to help the United Way of Halton Hills with my professional skills. In return, the United Way has provided the opportunity for self-improvement through various interactions with the community and other volunteers. For more information on the United Way of Halton Hills contact our office at unitedwayhh@bellnet.ca or 905-877-3066. Ron Stitt has lived in Halton Hills for six years and works in the Energy Trading business. Ron is married with two children and lives in the Glen Williams area.