Organization Name: Volunteer Edmonton
Volunteer's Name: Scott Zubot
About this volunteer:
Scott is another Arts Start volunteer who devotes his free time to working with children and sharing his passion for music with them. What motivated Scott to volunteer at Arts Start? It gave him the opportunity to let less fortunate families experience the joy of music. The kids show energy and excitement towards learning an instrument. Scotts says, “It is one of the most rewarding experiences to provide instruction to these kids.”
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Organization Name: Volunteer Edmonton
Volunteer's Name: Shirley Korner and Mary Ann Shriner
About this volunteer:
Mrs. Shirley Korner and Mrs. Mary Ann Shriner are involved with the Alzheimer Society. Both women attended the organization’s Seeds of Hope program, an education series for caregivers of people with Alzheimer Disease and dementia, as well as the organization’s caregiver support group. These women face the daily challenges and stresses of caring for a loved one who lives with a devastating illness — in their cases, a husband.
Since attending these classes and benefiting from the program, they’ve decided to “repay” the organization for its service by developing materials for the very same course they attended. These volunteers — who have been helping the Society for approximately eight months — have also developed a special friendship by offering each other peer support during and outside their volunteering time. They have developed their own informal peer support group with four other couples from the Society and meet with them periodically for social occasions. These relationships are critical for people affected by Alzheimer Disease, as education and communication are tantamount toward their sense of security and well-being.
In essence, Mrs. Korner’s and Mrs. Shriner’s involvement with the organization on a volunteering level ensures that people affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, including themselves, do not face the journey alone.
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Organization Name: Volunteer Edmonton
Volunteer's Name: The Dufresne Family
About this volunteer:
From the moment that the Dufresne family became members of Ormsby Elementary School they offered their volunteer support. The Dufresnes are a remarkable family, and they have devoted countless hours towards the betterment of the school and community. The theme ‘Volunteers Grow Community’ is indicative of the family’s ongoing commitment.
Both Bob and Penny have been members of the Ormsby Parent Advisory Council. Penny is currently the President, while Bob, who has served as President in the past, now acts as Treasurer. Together with other members of the Advisory group, they have coordinated several Penny Carnivals, Casinos, and “Welcome Back to School” Muffin Mornings for students and their parents. Bob and Penny have also volunteered their time in the classrooms.
Through Penny’s initiative and leadership, Ormsby School has received a new playground, added benches and tables for quiet outdoor activities, and has developed a Naturescape area. These projects totaled $165,000. Penny applied for and received numerous grants totaling $100,000 to cover most of the costs. These projects have given our community a safe and enjoyable place to gather and play. Penny also designed and supervised the whole Naturescape project. The Naturescape is representative of Alberta’s Natural Regions and includes a wetlands area that will be used by all grades. The area will also be available to neighbouring schools. Penny ensured that all types of vegetation were included in the Naturescape and her brother, Tim Gylander, donated, transported, and planted trees. Betty Gylander, Penny’s mother also helped to plant and care for the Naturescape.
Penny enjoys volunteering. She says, “I volunteer so that I can help others and have a chance to try something new.” Apart from supporting her neighbourhood school, Penny also volunteers for the Willowby Community League.
Bob has worked with technical advisors and other parents to develop a technology plan that will ensure that Ormsby students have the best and most recent technology. Our students will benefit by using current technology to extend and support their learning. Bob also helped with the digging and planting of the Naturescape. He has been an active member of the Parent Advisory Council, has organized volunteers for the Casino, and has helped with the recycling program.
Eleven-year-old Chelsea is also a volunteer. She says, “All the kids know me and say hi to me. I have friends all over the school. I like helping people.” This year, she has begun her own recycling program. She collects all the juice boxes, pop cans, and pop bottles in the school and then gathers friends to help her clean them. The family then takes the containers in for recycling. Chelsea is also active on the Student Leadership Team and School Newspaper, and helps in the library.
The Dufresnes have spent many hours enhancing the community they live in. They have improved the lifestyle and school experiences of many Ormsby families. They epitomize the theme ‘Volunteers Grow Community.’
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Organization Name: Volunteer Edmonton
Volunteer's Name: The Madill Family
About this volunteer:
Melanie Madill and her three children Katelynn (14), Tallin (11), and Jerran (9) are part of our volunteer team at the Good Samaritan - Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre. Through their efforts of family volunteering, the Centre’s residents benefit in many ways. The children’s youthful energy and enthusiasm, coupled with their committed efforts, enhances the days of those who live here. Delivering the monthly event calendars, tending to the perennial beds and patio pots, encouraging the residents during Bingo, and sharing their music talents strengthen their family unit, and at the same time have a tremendous impact on the residents.
Melanie says that “Volunteering as a family is a win-win situation... In this busy world, volunteering allows us to capture time together. We have a shared sense of purpose, empowering us to enrich the lives of others and improve the quality of life in our community. We feel our unit is a powerful force for change and makes a difference, offering insight for the kids, teaching them respect for diversity.”
The Centre is a brighter, more vibrant place because of the Madill Family’s involvement.
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