John Kay, Peggy Raftis and Kathy Butcher. RIGHT: Liam Kieso and Ryder Simpson making Easter headbands. Photos by Patrick Raftis
‘Volunteering is Empathy in Action’ theme of National Volunteer Week
“Volunteering Is Empathy
In Action” is the National Volunteer Week theme for 2022.
A statement from Volunteer Canada says the theme “affirms the strong connection between volunteerism and empathy.
“This profoundly human connection is at the heart of healthier individuals and stronger communities.”
The national organization notes empathy is a quality “that can help people relate to others and build awareness around different experiences, connect people in ideas and actions and help create bonds forged in common goals and aspira-
tions.”
Volunteering can also help develop empathy, to see the world through the eyes of others. It can connect people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, expanding our views. It can build capacity to work collectively and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive society.
“From coast to coast to coast in formal and informal settings, volunteers create caring, collaborative, and compassionate communities,” states Volunteer Canada.
“During National Volunteer Week 2022, we celebrate the
contributions of Canada’s millions of volunteers: their actions, their understanding, and their genuine concern for the world around them.
“Volunteering, putting empathy into action, can build communities where people feel happier, healthier, and more welcome – creating a stronger, more connected Canada.”
Organizations based in north Wellington Communities provide numerous volunteer opportunities and Mapleton, Wellington North and Minto are saluting their valuable volunteer community during
6 | NORTH WELLINGTON COMMUNITY NEWS | APRIL 21, 2022 7490 Sideroad 7 West, PO Box 125, Kenilworth, ON N0G 2E0 519-848-3620 • 1-866-848-3620 • township@wellington-north.com www.wellington-north.com Thank You Volunteers! Thank you to the volunteers of Wellington North for your time, dedication and commitment to the strengthening and support of our community. Your participation as volunteers contributes greatly to the vibrancy of Wellington North which truly makes this a better place in which we live, work and play. 39 Elora St. S., Harriston john.nater@parl.gc.ca johnnater.ca 519.338.3589 You are important to our Community. APRIL 21, 2022 | NORTH WELLINGTON COMMUNITY NEWS | 7 Please watch for the flashing green light! FIREFIGHTERS! TO OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEER Thank you Volunteers from across the north Wellington area hosted Easter events this past weekend. The Harriston Rising committee hosted an Easter Scramble in the Maple Leaf Room at the Harriston Legion on April 16. The event featured crafts, treats, trivia and a hot dog lunch. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Volunteer Joy Murray was busy painting faces with an Easter theme; youngsters enjoy a craft session; volunteers included, from left: Katie Weed, Joan Ivel, Linda Verbackel, Megan Raftis,
We could never help as many adults, youth, children and parents without you. 519.848.3462 | 207A George St. Arthur Thank you to our VOLUNTEERS for Strengthening confidence through learning. www.thewclc.ca Reading Together Thank you to our wonderful Volunteers... ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE. Volunteers 184 Main St. N, Mount Forest 519-509-7283 The Mount Forest Thrift Shop Your hard work and dedication is very much appreciated. Volunteers pitch in – Volunteers help out in many ways in local communities. In November, Alma Girl Guides and Pathfinders and Drayton Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides planted 150 native trees at a site on Elm Street in Drayton in cooperation with the Trees for Mapleton Committee. Community News file photo SEE VOLUNTEERS » 8 Thank you to Palmerston Home Hardware, Norsco Sports, Dobson’s, C&M Seeds, and all our individual ticket sellers for Catch the Ace. We Appreciate You All Palmerston Br. 409 would like to thank all of our Volunteers WI����T O�� ��LU����R� WE ��� �OT ���P���E! Your dedication does not go unnoticed Thank You! Mapleton Firefighters and all other volunteers in our community! www.mapleton.ca 519.638.3313 150 + VOLUNTEERS 10,000 + DONATED HOURS Without you, we wouldn’t be able to provide the exceptional service to our surrounding communities. Thank you! SERVICES WE PROVIDE: • Meals on Wheels • Transportation • Telephone Reassurance • Volunteer Visiting • Adult Day Program APRIL 24-30, 2022 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION NATIONAL WEEK
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
A sincere thank you to our dedicated volunteers
A sincere thank you to our dedicated volunteers
A sincere thank you to our dedicated volunteers. Your commitment is truly appreciated.
A sincere thank you to our dedicated volunteers. Your commitment is truly appreciated.
A sincere thank you to our dedicated volunteers. Your commitment is truly appreciated.
Wellington North senior recognized for community volunteer efforts
Your commitment is truly appreciated.
Your commitment is truly appreciated.
24-hour Crisis Line: 1-519-836-5710, 1-800-265-SAFE (7233)
By Jordan Snobelen
24-hour Crisis Line: 1-519-836-5710, 1-800-265-SAFE (7233)
24-hour Crisis Line: 1-519-836-5710, 1-800-265-SAFE (7233)
Working to end violence against women and children www.gwwomenincrisis.org
24-hour Crisis Line: 1-519-836-5710, 1-800-265-SAFE (7233)
24-hour Crisis Line: 1-519-836-5710, 1-800-265-SAFE (7233)
Working to end violence against women and children www.gwwomenincrisis.org
MOUNT FOREST – Kay
Working to end violence against women and children www.gwwomenincrisis.org
Working to end violence against women and children www.gwwomenincrisis.org
Working to end violence against women and children www.gwwomenincrisis.org
Thank you Minto Volunteers!
The Council of the Town of Minto thanks the countless volunteers that give their time, energy and talent to make the Town of Minto the vibrant, caring community where families
Volunteering is Empathy In Action
To each and every volunteer who contributes to our community - thank you. From acts of kindness to formal volunteer roles with local nonprofits and charities, your individual and collective efforts are an inspiration
Across the country and right here at home, we celebrate you, your efforts and the impact of volunteerism in our community!
Share
PINnetwork.ca
Ayres is such a treasure to Wellington North she was twice presented with the township’s 2022 Senior of the Year Award.
The first time was virtually, during an April 11 council meeting, as the beloved 73-year-old dabbed tears from her eyes with a tissue.
“I don’t know why I got this, but I am truly grateful,” Ayres told councillors.
But of course, she does –she admittedly doesn’t feel deserving.
The award, part of the province’s Ontario Senior of the Year Award program, was presented by council to Ayres in recognition of her volunteer work with the Mount Forest Seniors Group, the Seniors Centre of Excellence, and 100 Women Who Care Rural Wellington.
“There are very few events where you will not find Kay,” Mayor Andy Lennox remarked during the meeting.
The presentation brought a human touch to the nature of bland officialism in municipal council meetings.
Many laughs were shared and wide smiles seen — a testament to Kay’s character, praised in nominations by township recreation staffer Nick Brock and former recreation staffer Tasha Grafos.
“Kay’s positive attitude is a joy to work with,” Grafos wrote in her nomination.
“Throughout the pandemic, Kay and I kept in touch to see when she could get the seniors back in action in the
community hall.”
Fittingly, the community hall at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex is exactly where Ayres was presented with the award again – this time in person on April 13, surrounded by the very seniors whose lives she endeavours to improve.
Councillor Sherry Burke presented the physical copy of the award to Ayres with
Brock and Grafos standing nearby.
Reading remarks from Seniors Centre of Excellence program coordinator Helen Edwards, Burke said: “When meeting Kay, you might think that she has never had a bad day in her life, but she has lived through adversity; she makes the best of every day.
Volunteers a vital community resource
» FROM PAGE 7
National Volunteer Week, April 24 to 30.
To find out about volunteer opportunities in Minto visit https://town.minto.on.ca/vol-
unteer/opportunities.
Wellington North residents are encouraged to visit the People Information Network (PIN) of Guelph Wellington to find a volunteer opportunity
that is right for them.
In Mapleton Township, go to https://mapleton.ca/exploreplay to learn more about local volunteer organizations in the community.
We are pleased to assist you with provincial matters.
Phone: 519-272-0660
Toll-free: 1-800-461-9701
Email: randy.pettapiececo@pc.ola.org PETTAPIECE.CA
8 | NORTH WELLINGTON COMMUNITY NEWS | APRIL 21, 2022 Thank you for Volunteering! PETTAPIECE RANDY MPP - Perth-Wellington
in the celebration! Tag PIN and #DoGiveShareGW to thank volunteers for their efforts
www.ugdsb.ca VOLUNTEERS For making a diference in the learning and well-being of UGDSB students and communities THANK YOU!
National Volunteer Week April 24 - 30
belong.
Full Colour with themeline Full Colour without themeline Greyscale 100%and 75% Black Full Colour Shield For use on dark or complicated backgrounds Black Interested in volunteering in Minto? Visit our Volunteer Portal www.town.minto.on.ca
Senior of the year - Mount Forest resident Kay Ayres is this year’s Wellington North senior of the year award recipient.
Photo by Jordan Snobelen
SENIOR » 10 APRIL 24-30, 2022
SEE
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