Volunteer Appreciation smlVolunteers like Sandra Searle, who has been volunteering
with the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Community Support
Services program for more than a year, were recognized
for their generosity and commitment during Volunteer
Appreciation Day in Bancroft. Click here to view a larger
version of this picture.

Submitted by MNO Community Support Services Coordinator Rose-Anne Boyle

Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) volunteers in Bancroft were recognized for contributing time and energy during Volunteer Appreciation Day on June 6.

MNO staff wanted to show the MNO Community Support Services program volunteers that their time, generosity and commitment to the MNO is recognized and truly appreciated.

Volunteers were served a special lunch, prepared by MNO staff and as a token of appreciation they were gifted a car cleaning kit.

During the event, they also participated in annual training that involved reviewing the MNO Community Support Services Program – Volunteer Handbook.

While each volunteer has his or her own reasons for giving their time, Sandra Searle finds the experience incredibly rewarding.

She has been volunteering with the MNO Community Support Services program for a little more than a year.

“Volunteering for me is really a two-way street. I get to help people to do the things that they would not be able to do independently. I love to drive, so being able to help someone get to an appointment makes me feel good,” she said.

She added it’s a crucial part of her everyday life.

“It fills a void in my life. It gets me out of the house to meet new people and talk about new things. It also keeps me active, so I really look forward to the days that I get to volunteer.”

Volunteers are an essential part of the MNO Community Support Services program and more volunteers are always needed.

Opportunities include providing medical transportation, friendly visiting and community supports to program clients.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact your local MNO Community Support Services Coordinator.

Posted: July 4, 2018