Summer is an opportune time to volunteer as a family. The kids are off school, the weather is beautiful and it’s a great way to spend time together. Plus, there’s no better way to learn about charitable giving than through hands-on experience contributing to a healthy and caring community. 

There are lots of groups in need of help throughout the summer, making it easy to find an experience that aligns with your family’s interests and time commitment. Although most charities and organizations require volunteers to be over 15 or 18, kids can still help out behind the scenes in a variety of ways. Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas to get you planning your first family volunteer experience.

BurlingtonGreen 

Sue Alksnis from BurlingtonGreen says a great way for families to help out is to organize a clean-up either in their neighbourhood or at a park, stream, schoolyard or other area.  

“You can include just your family or invite neighbours or friends to join as well,” says Alksnis, who is the volunteer and community engagement manager for BurlingtonGreen.

More than 12,000 people have taken part in clean-ups this year and the group’s goal is to register 15,000 people by the end of 2023. BurlingtonGreen provides free supplies, including bags and gloves. Find tips on how to organize a clean-up on their website.

Ribfest 

There are two ribfests in Halton over the summer: Oakville Family Ribfest and Canada’s Largest Ribfest in Burlington. Both events are always in need of volunteers. Burlington’s event needs help collecting recyclables, litter and waste from around the festival venue, as well as assistance with set up and signage in and around the park. 

Global Medic

Global Medic is a registered charity based in Oakville that provides disaster relief and lifesaving kits. Volunteers are needed to assemble and pack food kits, fundraise, load boxes, make local deliveries and staff booths at conferences. Children are welcome to help but may need adult supervision.

The Humane Society 

For families with teens who love animals, the Burlington Humane Society is looking for reliable volunteers who can feed pets and clean the areas where pets live. There are shifts in the morning and afternoon, and they are open seven days a week. Volunteers must be able to read, write, follow instructions and work independently and must complete a three- to four-hour training session. 

Helping Seniors

Do you have a well-behaved pet that loves people? Pets can be therapeutic, especially for seniors, which is why many retirement homes welcome visits from furry friends. Reach out to retirement homes in your area to find those open to pet visits. Some retirement homes are open to volunteers reading to residents, which may be a great opportunity for a parent and child to volunteer together.  

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

Fostering a puppy is a fun way to get the family involved in a charity. The foundation provides trained dogs to people who have disabilities, but before being placed, each dog spends a year with a foster family to be taught house manners and basic obedience to prepare them for formal dog guide training.

Raising Funds 

The majority of charities operate on shoestring budgets and appreciate any donations. Got a cause that’s close to your family’s heart? Pick a charity and organize a fundraiser! Think bake sales, lemonade stands and garage sales to earn money to give to your charity of choice. 

There are so many ways parents and kids can volunteer in the community. Whether you choose to help an organization, or come up with your own way to make a difference, involving the entire family in charitable giving is a rewarding experience that develops empathy, compassion and a sense of duty toward others. 

By Denise Davy

It began 23 years ago with a clothing rack, a whole lot of compassion and a woman named Mina Wahidi. Mina saw people struggling – the working poor, refugees, newcomers – and wanted to help. She set up a clothing rack in her basement and invited people to take what they needed. 

Four years later, with many volunteers in hand, they moved to a church basement to accommodate the growing need. When they outgrew that space, they moved to White Oaks plaza in Aldershot. Now located at the Fairview and Brant St. plaza, the aptly named Compassion Society of Halton continues to serve residents in need. 

“She wanted to help people who were struggling and the numbers kept growing and growing,” says current executive director Aliya Khawari, describing Mina who stepped down in 2014 and passed away in April this year. 

The founder leaves an incredible legacy. The Compassion Society is one of the most successful charities in the region. It provides clothing, food, hygiene and self-care items, special seasonal programs and social services to residents of Halton.  

The organization currently has 733 active households that have accessed their services at least once in the last four to six months. It receives no government funding (with the exception of a Trillium grant) and is fueled by 135 volunteers who pick up donations, sort shelves and help clients at the store, which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“Nothing is bought and nothing is sold,” says Aliyah who began as a volunteer, but was recruited to lead the organization due to her exceptional skill set. She’s a researcher with a PhD in developmental economics. 

Aliya believes the organization has gained such respect because of the individual attention they provide each person. If a student needs a prom dress, a volunteer will help her pick one out. If a woman has left an abusive relationship and needs a back-to-work wardrobe, they will help her build one.

“We take pride in treating people with dignity,” says Aliya. “It’s not a dingy place. It’s really dignified. Everything is nicely set up with love.” 

In 2017, the Compassion Society added another service in an effort to address the root causes of people’s difficulties. It helps people access the resources they need to move forward with their lives. No two cases are the same, says Aliya. Perhaps one person hasn’t finished high school, while another doesn’t know how to write a resume. One of their most memorable clients was a construction engineer. He had 25 years of experience building skyscrapers in Dubai, but could not get a job after moving with his family to Canada. By the time he came to the Compassion Society he’d run out of savings. Thanks, in part, to a referral by a volunteer, he landed a high-paying job in Nunavut. He moved his family with him and eventually started a food bank.

“We hear hundreds of stories like that,” said Aliya. “The community of volunteers make me cry every day. It’s a community that gives and gives and gives.”  

By Denise Davy