Sunday, April 18, 2010 - North Shore News - A27
Volunteer
WEEK
APRIL 18th to APRIL 24th
A special feature of the
News photo Mike Wakefield
Volunteers Enrich our Community Thank You Volunteers! Community Volunteer Leadership in Action Behind every program, facility or working group, is a volunteer helping to shape the direction of the community and willing to serving others. This selfless investment makes West Vancouver a wonderful, caring and creative place to live. Thank you for your commitment, leadership and loyalty! West Vancouver 2010 Team, West Vancouver Special Events, Harmony Arts Festival, Kay Meek Performing Arts Centre, West Vancouver Museum, Ferry Building Gallery, West Vancouver Memorial Library, West Vancouver Community Centre, Seniors’ Activity Centre, West Vancouver Arena, Gleneagles Community Centre, Ambleside Youth Centre
westvancouver.ca
Emma: top dog in volunteering Benjamin Alldritt balldritt@nsnews.com
EMMA never says a word, but she still helps kids learn to read, stirs long-dormant memories for seniors, and even helps teenagers overcome eating disorders. Emma, a seven-year-old black Labrador retriever, has been a St. John Ambulance therapy dog for four years alongside owner Mary Brown. “I saw something about it on TV and I said ‘That’s what I want to get into with my dog,’” said Brown. “It seemed like an opportunity for me to volunteer with my dog, which would be the best job in the world. So I went to the first introductory meeting, it seemed to fit and I pursued it.” Brown, a North Vancouver special education teacher, first started bringing Emma into extended care facilities like Vancouver General Hospital’s Banfield Pavilion to meet with seniors. “I find with the older people, Emma is a starting place for conversation. She’s tactile for them, she tweaks their memory. They might remember they had a dog and his name was Lucky. They may not remember what happened two hours ago but it’s really funny how she triggers those old memories. We visited one lady at Banfield for quite a while and as we visited her she became nonverbal. But when she patted Emma, her first language — German — would come out. She would murmur away to Emma in German but otherwise she was non-verbal.” Emma was also called in to visit a woman in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. “Sure enough, she went into the room and for the first time in six months that woman smiled. Her family were just over the moon. And later when she passed away, the family sent Emma a thank-you card,” said Brown. Brown has also taken her companion into North Vancouver schools to help kids, improbably, with their reading. “We go into elementary schools and the West Van library and kids who are reluctant readers or struggling readers read their books to Emma,” said Brown. “It sounds kind of wacky but when you read to a dog or sit with a dog, studies have shown it brings your blood pressure down, it brings your heart rate down, your endorphins go up, serotonin levels in the brain rises. So these kids are in the right place to start reading. And besides, Emma is non-judgmental. She just sits there with her big brown eyes and says ‘You’re the best reader I’ve ever heard.’” Brown, who sneaks a little teaching into the sessions, said over the span of a term students working with Emma read more fluently and expressively. “I see huge progress. It’s really amazing,” she said. Brown said Emma shows an uncanny knack for adapting to the needs of the people she visits. She’s calm and still with seniors, energetic and upbeat with teenagers. “We’ve been asked to work with an autistic boy at one of the North Van schools because he is terrified of dogs. We’re doing gradual habituation. So first of all he looked at Emma through the doorway and he didn’t flip out, which is good. When he’s out in the community and he sees a dog he has quite an over-the-top reaction even when it’s across the street. But Emma became very quiet and wouldn’t even look at him, which is interesting because she usually beams right at a person. Once again, she just knew what to do,” See Training page 29
A28 - North Shore News - Sunday, April 18, 2010
North Shore
On behalf of the North Shore Municipalities, First Nations and all our partner organizations
Thank you to the over 300 Spirit of BC North Shore volunteers Together we ignited our community pride and spirit to make the North Shore an Olympic experience to remember. We invite you to celebrate the legacy of volunteerism by joining us at the Volunteer Fair on April 24th held at Capilano Mall, 10am-2pm. Find out ways YOU can be a volunteer in our community!
www.northshorespiritofbc.ca Supported by 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of BC, Spirit of BC is a province-wide initiative that promotes community innovation, pride and excellence, and involves British Columbians in the opportunities arising from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Volunteer
It’s Volunteer Week! IT’S time, once again, to celebrate those among us who give their time and skills freely. The week of April 18-24 is marked in our calendars to show our gratitude and support for the millions of volunteers who donate their time and energy. This year, the theme of National Volunteer Week is “From Compassion to Action.” The National voice of volunteers, Volunteer Canada, is leading this year’s Volunteer Week Campaign and ensuring that from coast to coast to coast Canadians have all the tools and support they need to say thank you. According to the organization, volunteerism has a deep, rich history in Canada and an even more exciting future. This decade we have seen volunteers represent our communities as firefighters, builders, maintenance keepers, organizers, coaches, and aid workers to name a few. Not only are volunteers essential to the continued functionality and success of community services, they are a driving force behind progressive change and the overall betterment of Canadian lives. If you take a moment and picture your life without the help of volunteers one can begin to understand the extent to which volunteerism truly impacts our lives. Our hospitals, schools, community services, shelters and charities would all suffer without the continued and passionate support of volunteer community of Canada. On the North Shore this year, many of us enjoyed the work of countless volunteers as we celebrated the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and helped welcome the Olympic flame into our communities during the torch relay.
HEARTFELT THANKS to our 347 compassionate volunteers who gave a combined 13,422 hours to our Agency and Foundation Boards, Palliative Care, Christmas Bureau, I hope family centre, Advisory Committees and Special Events.
FSNS acknowledges the contribution of the Province
#101s 255 West 1st Street
of British Columbia, City of North Vancouver, District of
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3G8
North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver.
tel 604 s 988 s 5281 fax 604 s 988 s 3961
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Those Olympic volunteers and others who are interested in giving their time are invited to look into a rewarding and important volunteer position. On April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Spirit of B.C. North Shore, Volunteer North Shore, and other community agencies at Capilano Mall in a celebration of service marking the end of National Volunteer Week. Many local citizens like Emma Henderson had a great experience volunteering with Spirit of B.C. on the North Shore. “Volunteering requires a lot of effort and commitment,” said Henderson. “But I forgot how much fun and engaging volunteering can be. It is something I want to continue doing to stay healthy, active, engaged in my community.” This was the sentiment echoed by many spirit volunteers. The event will provide prospective volunteers an opportunity to learn about the many services provided by non-profit agencies on the North Shore, how their skills and interests could be used, and what kinds of commitments are required. The event will celebrate the contributions of current volunteers by offering a chance to win a gift basket for those who drop by. There will be a special Olympic related guest appearance while you consider what you would like to volunteer for. For more information please contact Volunteer North Shore at 604-9823311. Everyone is welcome! If you want to know more about National Volunteer Week, you can visit volunteer.ca/ nvw/celebrate. Or, keep up to date daily with the latest information about volunteerism in Canada by following along on Facebook or Twitter.
Sunday, April 18, 2010 - North Shore News - A29
Volunteer
Time spent building community Benjamin Alldritt balldritt@nsnews.com
FOUR years ago, John Gilmour was chatting with an old friend, who happened to be District of North Vancouver Mayor Richard Walton, and remarked how he wanted to become more involved with his community. “He said ‘Lynn Valley Community Association is a good group,’ so I checked it out, seeing as I live there, and I’ve been working hard at it ever since,” recalled Gilmour. After spending a year and half signing up new members — Gilmour estimates he doubled the association’s rolls — he put his name forward to be president. Now Gilmour divides his time between working full-time as a condo developer and volunteering as the public face and administrative head of the 240-strong group. “It’s a lot of work juggling that with family time as well,” he said. “I just want to see our community continue to be a
great community and become even a better one in future.” Gilmour, a former president of the Vancouver Junior Chamber of Commerce and later a president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, estimates he puts 10 to 20 hours each week into Lynn Valley community business. Ask him what kinds of things the all-volunteer association does and the answer alone sounds exhausting. “We get into anything from development planning issues that come up such as the town centre master plan and rezoning applications and so on. There are community events like Lynn Valley Day, the concert series in the summer and any other events we happen to get involved with. We have a toy sale twice a year. We have an annual project to fix up a trail or remove invasive species. We’re trying to be more active with our relationship with the local community policing office. We have a website and a newsletter and we hold public meetings four times a year,” he said. Lynn Valley Community Association also took the lead in helping North Vancouver
Training comes first From page 27 Brown said. Not every canine companion is cut out to be a therapy dog. Applicants go through a rigorous screening process at St. John Ambulance. Dogs are tested for innate personality, unflappability, gentleness and acceptance. The specific testing methods are kept confidential, so owners can’t train their dog to pass the screen. Once the pooch is named an official therapy dog and the owner finishes their own training, St. John Ambulance gets the owner in touch with a school, hospital or long-term care facility and leaves it to them to work out a schedule. Brown estimates she spends about six hours each week bringing Emma into people’s lives. “I just keep thinking of new applications for dog-assisted activities,” she said. “I think they are magical creatures.” If you are interested in volunteering with your dog, contact Sue Ennis at 604-988-1695. For general information on volunteering with St. John Ambulance, call 604-990-1290.
the place to give back!
photo submitted
JOHN Gilmour volunteers his time as president of the Lynn Valley Community Association. celebrate the 2010 Olympics by staging ValleyFest, a familythemed party that drew crowds to the valley and praise for the organizers. “It was a tremendous success,” said Gilmour. “We had rave reviews from everyone we spoke with. We didn’t have any complaints from any of the neighbours. It was just a great time to gel the community. We had teenagers saying how cool Lynn Valley is now, the police
were very pleased with how things went and the district council was pleased. I think it will be a very strong memory for the community.” Speaking of memories, the association will be marking its 100-year anniversary in 2011. “I’m sure we’ll be doing something for the centennial,” chuckled Gilmour. “But we have to get through Lynn Valley Day and the concert series first.”
k n Y a ou h T
to all of our Volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you.
From Compassion… To Action! Thank you to all the volunteers who contribute your time, energy and skills to the programs we offer. Your gifts of time and talent make an immense difference in our community.
NORTH SHORE CRISIS SERVICES SOCIETY 119 - 255 West 1st Street, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3G8 604.987.0366 • Fax 604.987.1623
Volunteering is a great way to be a part of our community! SUNRIS UNRISE OF LYN YNN VALLE ALLEY
Sunrise of Lynn Valley owes a great deal to its team of volunteers who visit regularly and assist with various activities and programs throughout our home. In honour of Volunteer Week, we salute: Wendy, Lee, Gabriela, Mei, Jennifer, Chang, Vicky, Sahar, Maria, Cole, Paul, Janeth, Terry, Joan, Margaret, Heein, David, Cindy, Elin, Taehoon, Taewoo, Caroline, Shadi, Elisa, Michael, Suji, Jerico, Ulrike and Czar. Our “hats off” also to the varied entertainment groups, health care professionals and members of our worship community who have shared their passions and talents with us. If you have an hour to spare throughout the week, and would like to become involved in our Sunrise home, please contact Sandra at 604-904-1226 for more information and to apply.
Find your own “blue jacket” volunteer opportunity at: www.volweb.ca
THANK YOU on behalf of our staff and our participants at the North Vancouver Recreation Commission.
We appreciate your gift of time and talent! Now accepting applications for summer daycamp positions!
Naomi Yamamoto, M.L.A. (North Vancouver -Lonsdale) 303-126 East 15th Street North Van, BC V7L 2P9 Ph: 604-981-0033
Please call 604.983.6417 to find out how to get involved.
northvanrec.com 604 987 PLAY (7529)
A30 - North Shore News - Sunday, April 18, 2010
Volunteer
Spotlight on Volunteers
Spirit of B.C. lives on
MAETEL GRANT - I Hope Family Centre volunteer
Legacy work and volunteer connections thrive Deana Lancaster dlancaster@nsnews.com
WASN’T that a party? Chances are, if you were in town during the 2010 Olympic Games you took in some of the festivities from one of the North Shore’s many Celebration Sites. The festivities were just one aspect of the work the North Shore Spirit of B.C. committee undertook to ignite pride and community spirit in those living and working on the North Shore in the buildup to and during the Games. Supported by 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of B.C., Spirit of B.C. was a province-wide initiative that promoted the values of community innovation, pride and excellence to create unique and lasting legacies for British Columbians. More than 95 committees were formed in communities throughout the province to help develop benefits for local areas. The committees provided residents with an influential and local point-of-contact with the province and 2010 Legacies Now. It was the North Shore group’s aim to give residents and visitors an experience to remember, and to maximize the benefits for the North Shore community. Its stated mission was to inform and engage the community; facilitate partnership and the identification and realization of
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Until her retirement a few years ago, Maetel Grant, was the Coordinator of the Palliative Care Volunteer Program at Lions Gate Hospital, a program of Family Services of the North Shore. We were truly honoured, last fall, when Maetel asked if we needed volunteers at the I hope family centre. I hope family centre is a multi-service family resource centre working to ensure all North Shore families, and their children under 6 years old, have access to innovative support and prevention programs. As a grandmother, counsellor and loyal friend of FSNS, Maetel has the ideal skill set to volunteer in an early childhood program.
NEWS photo Paul McGrath
LIVE music, dancing and entertainment were among the many attractions at the Olympic Celebration Sites across the North Shore. opportunities; and to support business and community organizations in implementing and enhancing strategies related to 2010. But beyond the Olympics, the legacy of volunteerism continues, as collectively on all the committee’s projects more than 4,000 volunteer hours were logged. The hope is that North Shore residents who volunteered for the many activities will want to continue to volunteer in the
community. On April 24 at Capilano Mall there will be a volunteer fair for those wishing to continue and find out more information. As for the North Shore Spirit of B.C. committee: as it winds up its mandate related to the Games, the Spirit Trail committee will continue to support and assist with the North Shore Spirit Trail.
if you see news happening call our news tips line 604 985 2131
Thank You to our many Volunteers at North Vancouver Detachment
Celebrating National Volunteer Week APRIL 18 – 24, 2010 To all the helping hands in our community THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING FROM: A Place to Call Home Alzheimer Society of BC North Shore Resource Centre Capilano Community Services Society Canadian Mental Health Association - North & West Vancouver Branch City of North Vancouver Harvest Project KidStart North Shore Community Resources Society North Shore Crisis Services Society
North Shore Multicultural Society North Shore Neighbourhood House North Shore Stroke Recovery Centre North Shore Women’s Center North Van Rec Parkgate Community Services Silver Harbour Centre Vancouver Aquarium Vancouver Coastal Health West Vancouver Community Services and Cultural Affairs
If you would like to volunteer, call Volunteer North Shore at 604-985-7138 or visit us on-line today at www.nscr.bc.ca
NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY RESOURCES HOST AGENCY OF
VOLUNTEER NORTH SHORE
Sunday, April 18, 2010 - North Shore News - A31
Spotlight on Volunteers
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
MAETEL GRANT - I Hope Family Centre volunteer support and witness parents and their children meeting new friends, learning age and stage appropriate skills, sharing ideas and having fun.
When Maetel was asked why she enjoys volunteering at the I hope family centre, she said: I choose to volunteer for the I hope program because I sincerely believe its presence is vital in our community in a meaningful I feel and healing way. The philosophy of I hope is brilliant. It is a supportive gathering place for young families who attest to the real and significant impact it has on their parenting journey. As a volunteer, I listen, offer
that the contribution I make as a volunteer is meaningful and makes a real difference in my life.
“The staff at the I hope family centre regard Maetel’s arrival at the centre a true gift that came at a time when we needed her most”, says I hope family centre Coordinator, Corinna Opitz. For more information on the I hope family centre visit www.familyservices.bc.ca
VOLUNTEERISM - John Weston, West Vancouver MP During the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics we all revelled in the magic that unfolded when a great and privileged country like Canada opened our doors to the world and shared the very best that we could offer. 25,000 blue-jacketed volunteers humbly and enthusiastically took a risk, giving up their priceless time. The volunteers came from all parts of Canada (and some from other countries) but the lion’s share were British Columbians who decided to contribute their efforts. Guests from everywhere loved our volunteers, who set a new high bar for every other future Olympics and Paralympics site.
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The measure of life, after all,
How can we keep the momentum going? What will allow BC to acknowledge its role as a national and international leader, offering the world ways to learn about health, and fitness? Can Whistler and Squamish, also international recreational meccas, share views of healthy living, to lead our nation in its battle against childhood obesity? Can West Vancouver, which showed such innovation in bringing the Canadian Space Agency during the Games, continue to work to pioneer programs in tourism, health, and fitness? Can Sechelt and Gibsons leverage their roles as centres of “liveability”? Can offshore treasures, like
Bowen, Keats, Gambier and other islands in our riding now better promote their magic, now that they have riveted the world’s attention during the Games? The Games brought us enormous gifts, in terms of business, investment, tourism, foreign students, and incentives to live healthier lives, as a community. If through the lens of the Games we see ourselves as national leaders, with the ability to transform Canada into something even better than it is today, we will realize we have something precious to share with the rest of the world.
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is not its duration, but its donation. PETER MARSHALL
Thank you to the many volunteers and others who give their time and effort to protect North Shore streams and the natural environment. Your enthusiasm and commitment are much appreciated.We look forward to your participation and support in the coming year.
Thank you to all the Kay Meek Centre volunteers who give the extraordinary gift of time and talent. We are privileged to have you on our team.
Coho Society of the North Shore 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver Box office: 604-913-3634 www.kaymeekcentre.com
1846 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, B.B. V7V 1J6 Telephone: 604-926-6956 www.cohofestival.com
A32 - North Shore News - Sunday, April 18, 2010
Spotlight on Volunteers
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
KAY MEEK CENTRE - Volunteers bond the community Kay Meek Centre’s success can be measured in many ways, but at the heart of it are the people who contribute the enduring qualities of passion, community, time and talent... they are our volunteers. Look These are the people who work the frontline as greeters, ushers and ticket-takers—the people who put the “face” on Kay Meek Centre. They establish the welcoming atmosphere and sense of place creating the
hallmark experiences that are enjoyed by the thousands who visit our theatres.
Through the selfless gift of time, Kay Meek Centre’s volunteers create a community within Kay Meek behind Centre and, as our friends and the success of neighbours, they forge the bonds with the community we Kay Meek Centre serve.
and you will find our volunteers
By their contributions, our volunteers instil a sense of pride in their work, in themselves, and in Kay Meek Centre for what it
is and will be. Our volunteers are the vital team who come together, share together, work together and succeed together. During Volunteer Week, Kay Meek Centre offers a loud and sustained “bravo” to our volunteers who have helped to shape the Centre into what it is today. “Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one’s ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a hand in them.”
TERRY BYRNES - Harvest Project volunteer Exexutive Director When Terry Byrnes decided to volunteer at Harvest Project as a board member in January 2009 he had no idea he would also be filling the role of the Executive Director. But that is exactly what happened. He had just retired from his long tenured position as Coordinator and Faculty in the Adult Special Education Department at Capilano University and was actually looking forward to some R&R time with his wife Linda. Instead he volunteered the charity further assistance by becoming the Executive
Director in May and for the next eight months that meant putting his retirement plans on hold.
meetings, spoke at special events and met with many community representatives to seek funding support.
He wanted to offer as much support as he could to the day-to-day operations and sometimes that meant volunteering 40 hours of his time per week. He received no remuneration for his time even though his time was often stressful and unrewarding.
However, Terry was not just focused on the big parts of the job, he helped out in little ways too – cooking in the kitchen when another volunteer was away, giving staff rides home, counseling clients about career and education options .
He faced making many crucial decisions and carried the financial burdens on his shoulders causing him sleepless nights of worry about the lack of funds coming in to run Harvest Project. He went to countless community
For those eight months Terry became the face and voice of Harvest Project out in the community and in the office. There was no task so great or small that Terry would not take on for his beloved charity.
SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE…
TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION
April 18th - 24th, 2010 Regional Park Partners and Volunteers Metro Vancouver thanks all volunteers and partners who generously give their time to enhance our region.
Harvest Project would like to thank all of our hard working volunteers. We acknowledge that it takes many hands to “Extend a Hand Up.” Harvest Project lends a hand to individuals and families in need on the North Shore.
Catching the Spirit Youth Society - Capilano River Regional Park
04229126_870_P1
Regional park volunteers fill valuable roles in support of staff including invasive species removal, habitat enhancement, trail restoration, education programs, special events, visitor centre hosts and managing fish hatcheries.
If you would like to offer your hand to help please contact us at Harvest Project 201 Bewicke Ave., North Vancouver www.harvestproject.org 604.983.9488 ext 303
EXTENDING A HAND UP, NOT A HAND OUT!
www.metrovancouver.org
Sunday, April 18, 2010 - North Shore News - A33
Spotlight on Volunteers
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
COHO SOCIETY - Protecting our watersheds Stewardship is the key to protecting our watersheds. Co-operative effort by government agencies, volunteer organizations, enlightened developers and other partners to protect and revitalize our salmon streams is producing results. However, despite some recent, positive and encouraging developments, pollution from chemicals and construction activity continues to threaten the health of our urban streams. Coho Society and its partners have made raising public awareness and creating a sense of pride in our watersheds a top
priority. The challenge is to involve citizens of all ages in a community-wide effort to bring wild salmon back in ever-increasing numbers to North Shore streams and rivers. The Coho Festivals are a highly successful North Shore community event. Great weather and enthusiastic participation by a record crowd on Coho Festival Sunday cap off the week’s activities. Many people take part in the Coho Walk down the Capilano River, and turn out for the 14K Coho Run from Kitsilano Park to Ambleside Beach. Celebrity chefs serve over 1400
salmon barbecued meals. In addition to these events, North Shore residents and visitors are treated to a variety of art exhibits, stage presentations, new environmental displays and games for the youngsters. These results would not be possible without the efforts of many volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors. To all who participated in making past Festivals a success, your support was appreciated. We look forward to seeing you again at this year’s Coho Festival!
RALPH & JOAN TOWNSEND - West Vancouver Olympic volunteers West Vancouver experienced an unprecedented volunteer commitment during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. During the Games, an amazing 6,000 hours were donated by 260 adults and youth as they hosted events and displays, led children’s camps, and greeted visitors at information kiosks. The party began on February 10th, West Vancouver’s Torch Relay Day, when 15,000 patriotic people greeted the Olympic Flame at the West Vancouver Community Centre. Decked out in their red vests, 130 volunteers worked 650 hours on that day alone. This was the beginning of 38 days of celebrations
in February and March where ‘active citizens’ worked 1,500 shifts, averaging 160 hours a day. Joan and Ralph Townsend volunteered together during West Vancouver’s community celebrations. They donated an average of 5 hours a day during the 18 days of celebrations during the Olympics, and made many new friends of all ages. “I was so impressed with the way the families mixed together at the dances and social events,” said Ralph. ”Everyone had a great time as a family.” Married for 37 years, Joan and Ralph do
many things together including travelling, camping, fishing, dancing, looking after their grandchildren, and helping with social events at the Legion and the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre. It’s no surprise that they had a great time hosting friends and neighbours at the West Vancouver Community Centre Spirit Square. “We’ve got to keep it going,” Joan said, while reminiscing about how families enjoyed the music and sports at the Civic Site. “This is a great place to come together!”
Thank you to all our volunteers who serve to make their communities and Canada a better place!
thanks to the few who do so much for the many Supporting Volunteers on the North Shore
John Weston, MP West Vancouver Office: #21-285 17th Street, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3S6 Tel 604.981.1790 Fax 604.981.1794 Email Weston.j@parl.gc.ca Web www.johnweston.ca