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Volunteers Help CAS

April 20, 2012 permalink

OACAS leader Mary Ballantyne extends thanks to the thousands of volunteers who work for CAS at no charge. Because of their generosity, Mrs Ballantyne can collect her annual salary of $150,000 without the need to share it with a small army of volunteer workers trying to help children.

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Recognizing volunteers at Ontario's Children's Aid Societies, National Volunteer Week time to support children, youth and families involved with child welfare

EMC news - During National Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21, the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS) and Ontario's Children's Aid Societies recognize the crucial role played by those community members, parents, teachers and retirees who give their time to support vulnerable children, youth, and their families.

"Volunteers at Ontario's child welfare agencies make an enormous difference to the lives of children and youth by being there for them and for their families," said OACAS executive director Mary Ballantyne.

"More than 5,600 volunteers help by being there for children and youth as tutors or special friends, by helping families by being a parent aide or support during visits, by driving children and youth to activities, appointments and visits, and by supporting the work of their local Children's Aid by being an involved community member or board member."

As the OACAS honours and celebrates 100 years of service to child welfare in Ontario, the role of volunteers in history and today is also recognized.

Up until the 1920s, much of the work of Children's Aid Societies was carried out by volunteers.

"Volunteers have always played an integral role in caring for and supporting children, youth and families, and we really appreciate their contributions," added Ballantyne.

Today, volunteers make valuable contributions which allow agencies to provide enriched services to children, youth and their families.

The stats show:

  • 5,608 volunteers gave their time to agencies.
  • More than 25 million kilometres were driven by volunteers.
  • Volunteers gave more than 600,000 hours of their time.

Volunteers have a wide range of skills and fill roles in various capacities at agencies.

Some volunteers offer skills that can be used in working directly with children and youth, others offer their expertise to provide leadership and guidance to their local Children's Aid Society as members of the board of directors, working with the administrators of the agency. If you are interested in supporting the work of your local Children's Aid, contact them to learn more or for more information, visit www.useyourvoice.ca

ABOUT THE SOCIETIES

Since 1912, OACAS has represented Children's Aid Societies in Ontario and provided service in the areas of government relations, communications, information management, education and training to advocate for the protection and well-being of children. In 2012, OACAS is honouring, reflecting upon, and celebrating 100 years of service to child welfare in Ontario.

Source: Nepean/Barrhaven EMC

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