JBCP: Volunteer…. It’s good for you!

James Bay Community Project

By Paula Greene

April is National Volunteer month and at James Bay Community Project (JBCP) and Capital City Volunteers (CCV) we want to say THANK YOU to the 300 plus people who generously give their time and skills to make a difference to the James Bay Community and beyond.

JBCP and CCV are not alone in relying on the generosity and expertise of volunteers – according to the Government of Canada

“Over 13.3 million people… aged 15 and over did volunteer work in 2010. They devoted almost 2.07 billion hours to their volunteer activities: a volume of work that is equivalent to just under 1.1 million full-time jobs”

That’s a lot of volunteer hours and the impact on Canadian communities is priceless.

At JBCP and CCV we know the value of volunteers, they bring their talent, energy and a passion to get involved; “I wouldn’t have been able to get to any of my medical appointments without the volunteers” said one participant of the outreach and direct volunteer services program.

Driving is just one way volunteers help in the community. For many seniors and adults with disabilities rely on volunteers to help maintain independence in their own homes and to lessen the isolation that many of them experience. Volunteers help in many different ways; offering to tend gardens with light gardening work or making time for a a friendly visit. At JBCP volunteers help keep the centre running by covering reception, supporting programs in the Family Resource Centre, leading Community Programs and running the Library, not to mention help with recycling, cleaning and cooking. For volunteers with a passion for fashion the Community Closet Thrift Store is the place for them, sorting and selling clothes and raising money for the JBCP in the process.

Volunteering is a two way street that benefits the organisation/community you are serving but it should also benefit you too.

Hyeyoung, (pictured) has been volunteering at the James Bay Community Project since 2013. You can find her helping out in the kitchen or covering the reception desk. Hyeyoung came to live in Canada from Korea in 2010 and is a qualified social worker. When I asked Heyyoung why she volunteered she said she had learnt a lot from volunteering and was clear that she wanted to understand the social services in Canada better. Understanding how organisations serve their communities is important to Hyeyoung and through volunteering she, one day, hopes to use her skills as a Social Worker and work in the social services field in Canada.

When considering volunteering Volunteer Victoria offers some things to think about:

Why do you want to volunteer? How much time do you have to commit? Do you want to volunteer with your head or your hands? Are there any specific causes that interest you? Is there an age demographic you are most comfortable working with? What skills do you want to learn or are you looking for job experience? What special skills or talents do you have to offer? Do you have any limitations that you will need to fit into your position? Do you want to volunteer in a team, alone on individual projects, or from home? Would you consider a virtual or micro volunteering position?

Whilst I have long believed that volunteering makes you feel good and that it is a win-win experience for volunteers and communities I hadn’t expected to discover that volunteering makes you healthier and happier too, or that as an added bonus your boss will think more highly of you as well.

In the U.K., according to Make A Difference Day Survey, nearly half of all volunteers say volunteering has improved their physical health and fitness;

22% of 18 to 24-year-olds say volunteering helps them cut down on alcohol.

Nearly a third (30%) of 18 to 24-year-old smokers say volunteering helps them smoke less.

71% of volunteers who offer their professional skills and experience say volunteering helps combat depression.

63% of 25 to 34-year-olds say volunteering helps them feel less stressed, 62% of over 65's say volunteering reduces stress.

81% of employers surveyed view employees who do voluntary work positively.

43% of employers think that employees who undertake voluntary work and learn new skills have a better chance of promotion and earning a higher salaries.

So to all of you who volunteer (and particularly the JBCP and CCV volunteers) thank you for all you do and for creating a happier and healthier community.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Lisa Gleinzer 250.388.7844 Ext 308