Volunteers working 24 hours to help the homeless survive the heat

Lindsey Strudwick Volunteer affairs

Toronto is facing a hot and humid summer thanks to the recent heat wave that forced Environment Canada to declare a warning. The daytime temperature is hovering around the lower to mid-30s while the humidex value has risen to the mid-40s. The night time is also no relief with temperatures soaring to 20 C. This comes at a time only when last month saw some torrential rains and storms.

It’s only going to get worse!

The oppressive heat has been harsh on the vulnerable populations and the homeless and refugees are feeling the brunt. The hot weather is going to last for some time as Environment Canada has said in its reports. Even people with health issues are finding the weather unbearable- experts warn there could be deaths from the extreme heat just like from extreme cold.

But the groups and volunteers working for the homeless people have put their efforts to make it a little better by offering summer survival kits including drinking water. Dehydration can also be a cause of death so the water is really something needful.

Some real stories

CBC News interviewed some of the homeless people and volunteers on the street handing out kits and drinking water. Omar Adan has been rendered homeless recently after he lost his job and is quite worried about the heat wave. He is not sure how he is going to handle the hot weather as the rooms in the homeless shelter get really hot during the day. He said that they have around eight people sleeping in the same room which makes matters worse. The influx of refugees has also added to the problem.

The founder of the charity organization Engage and Change, Jody Steinhauer, have been giving out blue backpacks to homeless people containing summer survival gears. She is also targeting the newly arrived refugees and helping them out with drinking water. She plans to hand out around 3,000 survival kits though they need more of them.

Steinhauer said the situation is really sad and this was the worst season she was experiencing. She has been volunteering to help the homeless people for 20 years and is concerned to find all the agencies full because of the refugee influx. Other volunteers have joined Steinhauer to deliver bottled water under the initiative Project Water. They want to hand out 300,000 bottles of water so that no one dies from dehydration during the summer.

The shelters have started to offer additional services in the wake of the heat wave. The hours of the shelters have been relaxed so that the homeless can stay indoors under shade during the day. Volunteers have also taken to the street and working 24 hours to help people in need. Cooling centers have also started operating in the municipal buildings around the country and offer water and juice.

Toronto’s weather, as is widely known, is unpredictable and we do hope that the heat spell doesn’t last long!

Volunteer Organizations: become a part of something important

Jacob Garrett Volunteer services

Canadian society is very helpful when it comes to any issue or disaster that is faced. It is because in Canada what matters the most is a human life. Being human is the slogan for which the people of Canada work. Volunteering in Canada is very easy and simple. It also ensures that the needy sectors of society get the necessary help that is required. These organizations also work and respond all over the world. Like other sectors, the Canadian volunteer organizations have both regional and global reach. These organizations are very effective and the credit goes to the volunteers that run them. Canada has one of the largest volunteer organizations in the world. Some of these organizations that work to promote humanity are listed and explained as under:

Red Cross Canada

It is the largest organization in the world and makes sure that response time is minimum when it comes to disaster and related issues. The organization has a well-known volunteer program which ensures that the best outcome is generated. Volunteering with this organization means that not only skills are developed but a person also gets a brand which is known all over the world. The best part is that there is state of the art equipment with the organization lets the volunteer know how to operate them.  In Canada, there are 20,000 volunteers to make sure that the operations of the organization run smoothly.

Move for Hunger

It is Canadian organization which has global reach. The volunteers can get a chance to travel the world. The best part is that Move for Hunger ensures that food reaches starving sectors of the world. From a food drive start to fundraising there are many opportunities in Canada as well. A person can join as an intern and can also apply online to become a volunteer.  The organization ensures that all the volunteers get the complete knowledge and skill base that is required to perform the duty. Move for Hunger is known all over the world as the volunteers have worked in Somalia, Nigeria, and Congo.

Volunteer Canada

The best part of volunteer Canada is that even the disable can also work as a volunteer. There is a separate section which is related to this aspect. It has been named as I Want to Volunteer. The online form can be filled to get the seat confirmed. The organization also makes sure that the volunteers are also directed to the right organizations needing them. The local volunteer centers of the organization also take offline applications. The organization has been divided into many parts and the volunteers are engaged at all levels. This gives the volunteer an idea that what an organization is really like and how does it work.

Care Canada

It is one of the very few organizations which make sure that the volunteers are engaged on a professional and technical level. From canvassing to IT and translation there are several opportunities which are related to Care Canada. Volunteering with this organization means moving into the future.

Types of Volunteering in Canada

Mark Warren Volunteer services

Volunteering is mainly associated with non-profit organizations in Canada. It has been estimated that about 1/3 of Canadians each year make sure that their energies are directed towards this. In Canada, the volunteering is not associated with trivial kind of works at all. The volunteers in different sectors even make sure that the board meetings are conducted. These volunteers also ensure that the best services are provided. In return what they get is appreciation and recognition. It has also been estimated that some volunteers also work as interns to increase and enhance their skillset. The factor of trust is something that is associated with volunteering. They have been working in every walk of Canadian life. They make sure that the best services are provided without any cost. It is well-known that Canada is rated one of the safest and advanced countries in the world. Canadian authorities are highly concerned not only about people health and welfare they try to make gambling activities more clear. In such a case, you can have some fun at any time checking popular website ValleyGames and select online casino suitable to your taste. There is a number of opportunities which can be enjoyed in Canada when it comes to volunteering. These opportunities open doors for high-end organizations. The volunteers also propagate the idea of reciprocity. The Canadian society will always remain thankful to these volunteers. It is due to their contributions to the society. Some of the volunteering work that can be done in Canada is as follows:

Be a family member

For some, it may sound odd but volunteers can visit the estranged family members of other members of the community. However, this is a tough duty and therefore not everyone is eligible. The best example of this kind of volunteering is to become big brother and sister. Companionship and compassion are the main factors which are associated with this act of volunteering.

There are strict terms and conditions which should be followed. Failing to comply can lead to permanent blacklisting. The volunteering for such organizations must be 19 years of age and must pay at least 3 visits per month. The cycle is for a one year max which can be extended if volunteer requires.

Homework club

This is a relatively easy job to handle and requires a person to volunteer for students of 4 grade and up. It makes sure that the best methodologies are practiced to ensure that the students get to understand the studies. It is very simple and therefore it is important that the right type of candidate is selected for it. The volunteering is not like a traditional tutor work at all. All that is required is to pay a visit each Tuesday. The grooming and child development experience will be added advantage and a huge plus.

Drivers

These volunteers are high in demand. They need to make sure that the children and elders get the state of the art driving services. It includes family visits as well as school and everyday drives that are required. The best part of this kind of volunteering is that there is no need to be from any specific background. All religions and ethnicities are welcomed. Urgent driving needs are also fulfilled by such volunteers. With the passage of times, the need of such volunteers is soaring. It is because of valuable contributions to the society.

Volunteering Events in Canada

Peter Welch Volunteer affairs

It is one of the most astonishing factors that the number of volunteers is increasing at a fast pace. About 50% of the total Canadian population is indulged in volunteer work which is simply superb. The work done by Canadians in terms of volunteering is equal to 1.1 million full-time jobs. People in Canadian society love helping each other and therefore there are ample volunteering opportunities. There are many volunteering related events which take place in Canada just to make sure that new opportunities arise. There are many conferences which are held every day just to make sure that this concept remains alive and kicking. Connection and keeping in contact with other peers are the main ideas related to volunteering events. Volunteer management is regarded as a complete subject in Canada. It has been taken to new heights with the help of volunteering events. These events also make sure that the best outcome is generated when it comes to volunteering work. Confidence within the society and making sure that everybody gets the help is related to these volunteering workshops. Some volunteering related events which are held in different parts of Canada are as follows. The list will also show that volunteering is spread in every part of Canada and the society highly regards it.

VECTor Conference

VECTor is a short form of Volunteering, Engaging, and Connecting Toronto. The conference is held every year to make sure that the best volunteer talent is brought forward. Volunteering has been made exciting and therefore all people come together to discuss the ideas. In this conference, it is also discussed that how volunteering work can be promoted in the society. Every volunteer in this workshop makes sure that training is also provided in a house if required. All organizations in need of promoting volunteer mechanism as a part of their corporate culture can attend this conference to get insight.

APCO conference and trade show

There are many benefits which are associated with APCO conference. The volunteers from all parts of Canada join and make sure that volunteer ideas are shared and explained. New forms of volunteering are also discussed to make sure that the scope of the subject is expanded. There are many key points which are related to this volunteering workshop. Some of these key points are as follows:

  • The attendance at all seminars of APCO becomes free. The days on which a volunteer has not attended the session is explained in form of keynotes.
  • Free meal service to all volunteers of APCO
  • The outreach and the networking increases which produces great opportunities.

Volunteer management, Professionals of Canada

It is the best volunteer learning event. In this event, the different terminologies which are related to volunteering are explained. It makes sure that the best outcome is generated for field work. There are many issues related to volunteering. All such issues are resolved with ease and therefore this event is highly recommended. There are many other events which are related to this conference. It is highly regarded by the volunteer community of Canada.