Local Links

It’s better to give than to receive: that familiar saying is repeated often and with good intention, especially during the holidays, but how many of us actually take that adage to heart? No matter which holiday you celebrate, this time of year is often a virtual shopping frenzy, more materialistic than meaningful, and while everyone likes to receive presents, perhaps you’re hoping to dig a little deeper this year and add some extra significance to the season. If that’s the case, volunteering in the community might be the best gift you don’t have to buy.

There are so many excellent reasons to consider volunteer opportunities, either for you alone, or with friends, your kids, or your entire family. Teaching children the importance of giving time instead of money is an intensely rewarding experience that will last a lifetime.

Daily life is busier than ever now, with full-time jobs, school and extracurricular activities, numerous family responsibilities and stresses of all kinds. One good thing about volunteering during the holidays is that you may have a little extra time on your hands. If your kids are out of school and looking for something to do, volunteering is a great way to spend some quality time together, doing something valuable and rewarding.

If your kids are too young to volunteer, why not suggest that they sort through clothes and toys they no longer use or play with, and then donate them to local shelters and charity drives. Food banks are always in dire need of donations during the holiday season, and it’s something kids are happy to get involved in. Practising simple and random acts of kindness such as shoveling for neighbours or making kits for the homeless can make a huge impact.

If you are interested in volunteering in the community, there are a few steps you need to take first. Do a search online to see what’s available in the community. Once you find something you’re interested in, you may have to fill out an application form, then possibly participate in an interview. Many volunteer positions require you to fill out a registration form, provide character references and be willing to undergo a police check, followed by orientation and training. But, the most important part of volunteering is enjoying the experience for what it brings to others, and what it brings to you and your family.

And don’t forget, volunteers are needed year-round. Once the holidays are over, make volunteering a year-round habit for you and your family. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Where to Volunteer in Halton Region this Holiday Season?

There are so many opportunities to give back, but here are a few examples to peak your interest:

Salvation Army

Volunteers are needed to assist with the Christmas Toy Depot, setting up pre-assembled shelving and organizing donated toys. Begins Monday December 11 and ends Friday December 15.
Times are flexible. Contact: Shannon_Robinson@can.salvationarmy.org

Big Brothers and Sisters of Halton

Volunteers help Ikea Burlington customers select their Christmas tree and also sell tree bags to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Responsibilities include greeting Tree Lot customers, helping customers pick out Christmas trees and transporting trees to vehicles, tree bag sales and money handling, tree lot tidy up, including fallen/blown over trees and sweeping needles. Must be 16 years or older, or accompanied by an adult.
Contact: natalie.michlewicz@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca 

Christmas Kettles

Enthusiastic volunteers needed to stand at Christmas Kettle locations across Oakville. Shifts are three hours, so donate as much or as little time as you like. Individuals, Students, Families ALL welcome!
November 18 to December 23, 14 year(s) and up.
Contact: Emma Wong at 647-534-0611, or tsaoakvillekettles@cogeco.net

Kerr Street Mission

Help bring comfort and joy to an Oakville family in need this Christmas, with a goal to provide Christmas to more than 1,000 individuals in the area. The “Christmas Wonders and Beyond” program ensures families in need can celebrate Christmas. Your financial gift not only offers help for the present, but also hope for tomorrow. We offer gift and food cards to families, giving them the chance to choose the gifts and food that their families will enjoy.
Contact: Agnes Stassen at 905-845-7485 or agnes@kerrstreet.com

by Allison Dempsey

When Rachel Baker decided to open a small business, she chose an area where she had a lot of expertise – healthy eating.  She’d been following the Paleo diet for years and was a loyal believer, having reaped the rewards in weight loss and a higher energy level. The diet is based on the principle that people during the Paleolithic time thrived on a high protein, low carb diet of meat, nuts, vegetables and fruit.

Foods such as dairy products, grains, sugar, salt, alcohol and coffee are avoided and people with food allergies to dairy and wheat have found it beneficial. Rachel had been buying food specific to the Paleo diet from a Milton store and liked the food so much that she asked the owner about the possibility of opening another store in Burlington. The owner was receptive; however, while Rachel knew all about the diet, she knew little about running a business. She reached out to the Halton Small Business Centre who connected her with Futurpreneurs, a national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and resources to aspiring business owners who are between the ages of 18 and 39.

Since 2011, Futurpreneurs Canada has funded over 5,000 start-ups and 26 through partnerships with the Halton Small Business Centre. Stephanie Mazhari, the Centre’s manager of entrepreneur services, says the financing from the program provides up to $45,000 (as a low interest loan) per business as well as other resources. But for most, it’s the industry-leading entrepreneurs who provide the most value. “The mentoring piece will help sustain your business and make it successful from the get go,” she says.

Baker received a $15,000 loan, which she used to set up shop in a Mountain Grove plaza in north Burlington. Her mentor was Elaine Slatter, owner of XL Consulting Group, who helped her develop a business and marketing program. Baker says she was especially helpful in providing tips for media coverage, including her idea to invite the Mayor to the grand opening in March 2015. Baker, who is 37, was pleased that Elaine invested so much of her time and energy    into their relationship. “I learned a lot and it wasn’t just about getting the proper finances. It was about all those real life lessons that aren’t necessarily taught in the schools,” she says.

Baker’s business, Primal Cravings, has been growing in leaps and bounds. She transitioned from serving meals to selling pre-packaged food in the store and online.  Sandie Kay, who ran the Milton store, closed almost two years ago and now works with Rachel as they decided the kitchen was too small and everything could be done out of Burlington. Their customer base is still growing and they have people traveling to the store from as far away as Windsor, Orangeville and Barrie. It’s their menu that’s attracted the large customer base, especially among those who are gluten intolerant, as they guarantee the absence of soy, dairy, grains, legumes and refined sugar.

Many of their baked goods, like their chocolate cakes, are made with coconut. Their dinner menu includes beef zucchini lasagna with cauliflower mushroom risotto and coconut breaded chicken with sweet potato fries. “It’s very rewarding. I’m still learning, but the Futurpreneurs really helped point me in the right direction,” says Baker.

Halton also has a summer company program for youth entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 who want help setting up a small business. Participants in the program have started businesses in mobile peer-tutoring for students, selling skin care lotion, and pet sitting. Like Futurpreneur, the program provides hands-on business training and mentoring along with up to $1,500 to help with business start-up costs and up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program.

If you or someone you know has a business idea germinating, the future looks pretty entrepreneurial.

Local Links

Halton Region
halton.ca

Futurpreneur Canada 
futurpreneur.ca

Primal Cravings Market, Burlington
#102 – 2188 Mountain Grove
primalcravingsfrozen.com

by Denise Davy