It was a grand celebration last Wednesday as St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre honoured hundreds of individuals for their tireless volunteer efforts to seniors in the community.
St. Paul’s, an agency providing community services and housing for seniors, joined thousands of social service agencies across Canada to thank their volunteers during National Volunteer Week (April 27 - May 3).
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| St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre Volunteer Recognition Event, Shangri-La Convention Centre, Markham, ON. |
The Volunteer Recognition Event, held at Shangri-La Convention Centre in Markham, offered dinner, entertainment and many acknowledgements of thanks from staff, politicians, and community partners.
Volunteers provide an invaluable service without which many agencies would not be able to carry out their work. Larry Burke, Executive Director of St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre explains, “The contribution by our volunteers assists hundreds of seniors to be able to continue living in the community with health and dignity. The generous gift of their time is an inspiration to all of us."
St. Paul’s volunteer roster numbers nearly 450 volunteers ranging in age from 13-100 years of age. Volunteers have contributed over 46,000 hours of service equivalent to 23 full time staff! Special acknowledgements went to 14 volunteers who contributed over 1000 hours each. The event also recognized two very special long time volunteers, Stella George and Eva Holland, who both turn 100 years old this year.
Volunteer Suguna Rajendram has come to several such events in the past. “It’s an incentive for the volunteers and they look forward to this,” Rajendram said. “The evening and the awards show appreciation for all they do.”
St. Paul’s is extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated team of volunteers. It is an honour and a joy to work with individuals who truly care and give back so much of themselves to their community. Thank you to all volunteers for their compassion and dedication.
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| 20 year volunteer and centenarian, Stella George with Larry Burke, Executive Director, St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre. |
St. Paul’s Volunteer Facts 2007
- Total number of volunteers: 449
- Total number of volunteers is equivalent to 23 full-time staff
- Total number of hours: 46,350
- Volunteers worked in 20 different positions
- 33 students from high schools, colleges and universities volunteered during placement year
- Approximately 164 new active volunteers were recruited in 2007
- Mandarin and Tamil speaking seniors recruited to serve the needs of our multilingual clientele
- 11 training sessions were offered throughout the year
- 3 volunteers contributed over 1000 hours
- 11 volunteers contributed over 500 hours
- 138 people contributed over 100 hours
- 20% of St. Paul’s residents are volunteers
