Volunteer Tidbit
Volunteer Canada reports Canadians give a total of two billion hours each year, the equivalent of 1 million full-time jobs. WOW!
 
Volunteer Quote
"Service to others is the payment you make for your space here on earth."
Mohammed Ali

Coordinator's Comments
By the time you read this newsletter winter will be almost over and I, for one, will be very ready for spring. I love the rebirth and fresh start. It's energizing and uplifting. The MFRC has a couple new programs that add to the energy. The Children's Deployment Support service has a new Pals program that matches teen mentors with children for fun events. The teens in our community are just wonderful. Many are registered and training to mentor and the ideas and skills they are bringing forward are going to add greatly to the program.

The long-anticipated volunteer database is now up and running (or will be by the time you read this). This web-based program will allow volunteers to log on and check volunteer opportunities, sign-up on line, amend personal information, and even log volunteer hours. All the volunteers should have received an information letter by now. I'm sure we'll have a few hic-ups as we get started but I'm looking forward to working with this database and think it will be very volunteer friendly. If you aren't comfortable with the computer, no worries, I'll still have the paper system. More info will be available soon.

Make your time count

• Find an organization or project that matters to you personally.
• Assess your interests and skills. What will you enjoy doing?
• Decide how much time you have available while still meeting your personal needs and the needs of your family.
• If you want more time with your partner or children, find a volunteer opportunity where you can work together.
• Feel comfortable talking with the volunteer manager; communicate any suggestions or concerns to her/him.
• Enjoy and benefit from your volunteer experience! There is a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Find one that fits you and your lifestyle and leaves you feeling satisfied and valuable. This may mean trying a few before settling on one.