19 · Thursday, April 12, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com VOLUNTEERS GROWCOMMUNITY country shaped us, service to family and community sustains us, and this tradition of service will carry us forward into the future." Furthermore, there are significant economic benefits from volunteering. In Halton, volunteers collectively contributed over 38 million hours in the 12 month reference period between September 2006 and December 2007. This represents a contribution to the Halton economy of about $1 billion. Volunteer Halton strengthens community through the active engagement and participation of community members and educates, consults and raises awareness of community members and organizations by: providing leadership on the emerging trends and issues in the voluntary sector, promoting volunteerism, building capacity for effective volunteering and connecting people with opportunities to serve in theircommunity. Submitted by Ann Coburn Director Volunteer Halton www.volunteerhalton.ca The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little extra During National Volunteer Week 2012 (April 15 to 21) Volunteer Halton continues the tradition of celebrating Volunteerism and of thanking those who give tirelessly to our community. On Monday, April 16, 2012, those efforts are being acknowledged and appreciated at a Community Volunteer Award Breakfast hosted by Volunteer Halton and generously supported by the Regional Municipality of Halton. In Halton, over two thirds (67%) of the population aged 15 and over volunteer theirtime through an agency, a group or an organization. Halton's volunteering rate is higher than both the provincial (43.3%) and national (46%) averages. We can safely say that Halton Volunteers shape the Halton Region and sustain each of the four communities and will be the foundation on which our future is built. We want to acknowledge the work of our volunteers, to make good the work that is often done in private and say, "Thank you for doing what you do." Above all, we want to say, "Keep up the good work and hopefully others will follow your example." Volunteers are special people. In a busy world they have time for other people. In a selfish world they are givers. They see and respect the dignity of their fellow men and women. In a thousand different ways they lighten the load for those who are burdened by illness, trouble or disadvantage. Volunteers are people who listen with their hearts. Some are people who know they have been blessed in life and want to help those less fortunate. Sometimes they are volunteers simply because of some tragedy in their own lives. Others are volunteers because a friend or a family member encouraged them to help. Volunteering has always been with us, it is interwoven into the fabric of Canadian culture. We called it helping our neighbour, supporting those affected by a disaster, concerned citizens that see a need in their community and call into action small groups of likeminded individuals to address the need. Our Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, in his inaugural speech October 2010 stated that the third pillar of Canada will be encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism. He went on to say that, "Canadians have a long history of coming together and helping one another. Service to Exceptional People Extraordinary Hearts Thanks to all our Volunteers at OTMH! Halton Healthcare Services would like to thank our more than 700 exceptional volunteers for sharing their time and talents within Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) on a daily basis. Their dedication to supporting our patients, families, staff and visitors is truly demonstrative of their extraordinary hearts. From their work in direct and indirect patient care, to helping behind the scenes, fundraising for the new hospital, and providing leadership, their support helps put the heart in our organization. Please help us thank our wonderful volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 15 21 Thank you to our 856 dedicated volunteers for making a positive difference in the lives of thousands of individuals in need every year. Call (905) 338-4643 · Email - lparente@haltonhealthcare.on.ca Log on to - www.haltonhealthcare.com Interested in volunteering, contact us today! 905-827-8800 ext. 2317 volunteering@acclaimhealth.ca 2370 Speers Rd. Oakville, ON L6L 5M2 w w w. a c c l a i m h e a l t h . c a Charitable Registration Number: 11928 4602 RR0001 The Halton Chapter of the If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life."- unknown Our future looks much brighter thanks to our volunteers! Thank you!!! MS SOCIETY HALTON REGIONAL CHAPTER 2016 Victoria Ave, Burlington, ON, L7R 1R4 Fax: 905-681-1166 The Salvation Army Oakville Community Church and Community Services would like to Thank the many volunteers who continue to support us in being an active Ministry in our community. We are indebted to the volunteers for their contribution to the services we provide. It would be impossible for us to achieve this success without your help. You help with a range of activities including our Family Service Programs and Food Bank, Christmas Programming, our annual Food Drive and The Lighthouse Shelter. Our Sunday Worship Service is at 10:30am All are welcome; Please join us! 1225 Rebecca Street, Oakville Tel: (905) 827-5324 www.salvationarmyoakville.ca Thank you and God bless. 905-681-8770 Toll free: 1-800-211-8322 www.mssociety.ca/halton WE ARE NOW RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS FOR MAY 11-25 TO ASSIST WITH OUR ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE - (905) 827-5324 EXT. 22