Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 8,400 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 3 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

A little company:
The CNIB, an organization offering community based support, knowledge and a national voice with blind or partially sighted Canadians, is calling for a volunteer in western Ottawa to offer one-to-one support and chat about sports, politics, community activities and other topics over coffee with a friendly, engaging gentleman who is blind, and needing companionship for two to three hours a week. They are also seeking someone to visit a man who is partially sighted and likes to cook but needs help in the kitchen. There is a variety of people with vision loss all over Ottawa who’d love it if you had some time to share. Police check required. Contact Perpetua Quigley at 613-563-4021 ext. 5002, or at perpetua.quigley@cnib.ca.

Let’s talk:
Ovarian Cancer Canada, a charity dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer with a mission to support women living with the disease (as well as their families), raise awareness and raise funds is looking for someone interested in public speaking. Speakers raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer by talking to groups about the signs, symptoms, risks and preventive factors of ovarian cancer. Call Nicole Forster at 1-877-413-7970 ext. 235 or at nforster@ovariancanada.org.

A talent for co-ordinating:
Partners for Mental Health, a nonprofit organization aligned with the mental health commission of Canada that aims to transform the way people think about and act toward people living with mental illness, has an opening for a volunteer co-ordinator at itsTogether against Stigma Conference. This individual will help define conference volunteer requirements, recruit volunteers, manage event volunteers during the conference, and help ensure a positive learning and conference experience for 500 international delegates to Ottawa. If you’re interested, contact Byron James at 613-683-3746, or at bjames@partnersformh.com.

School Days:
Students in Ottawa K-12 schools need your help. Volunteer with Ottawa Volunteers in Education today and make a difference by helping students with physical/learning disabilities in the classroom. Math, English, assistive technology, you name it – there’s a need. Lots of locations, times and training available. Apply online at: http://www.onfe-rope.ca/OVIE, or call 613-366-3085 ext. 255 or email volunteers@onfe-rope.ca.

We all need a friend:
Friends of Hospice Ottawa, a non-profit charitable organization, provides life-affirming support to individuals affected by a life-threatening illness across Ottawa-West, including volunteer in-home support, two day hospices, driving, caregiver and bereavement support, community education and awareness. All of their programs and services are provided without charge. At this time, they are seeking palliative care visiting volunteers, day hospice volunteers and transportation volunteers. The next 10-week volunteer training session will begin in March. A police check is required. Contact Diane Jodouin at 613-591-6002 ext. 25 or email dianejodouin@friendsofhospiceottawa.ca.

Can I help you? Puis-je vous aider?
Hôpital Montfort is a Francophone institution that delivers quality care in both official languages. Volunteers are needed to provide a variety of services in almost every department, from assisting patients, directing visitors, helping at the Lottery Kiosk and other duties.

They are in particular need of volunteers for the Boutique Montfort Gift Shop. Are you bilingual (must speak French), competent, punctual, sociable, courteous, a team player and conscientious? Can you make a minimum commitment of six months? Four-hour shifts are available days and evenings all week. Contact Marielle Beauchesne 613-746-4621, 2019 or mbeauchesne@montfort.on.ca

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup weekly in Saturday’s paper! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column!

Other people who fall in your star sign include:

Rihanna – February 18^th 1988 – Singer
Christian Bale – January 30^th 1974 – Actor
Ellen Degeneres – January 26^th 1958 – TV Personality
Joseph Gordon-Levitt – January 25^th 1988 – Actor

So what opportunities would suit you.?

Go Girls! Mentor @ Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa

ReStore Volunteers @ Habitat for Humanity – National Capital Region
Habitat for Humanity

Public Relations/Media Relations @ Helping for Homes
Helping for Homes

Become a Global Educator! @ CHF (formerly The Canadian Hunger Foundation)
The Canadian Hunger Foundation

You can search hundreds of other opportunities and customize your volunteer search on Volunteer Ottawa’s website.

Treasurer hunt: HelpAge Canada is dedicated to promoting the health, well-being and quality of life for all seniors. And they need a treasurer for their volunteer board of directors. Some training or experience with charitable organizations would be an asset. Contact Don Mockett at 613-232-0727.

Happy Chinese New Year: The Nepean Museum is holding a Chinese New Year program on the afternoon of Jan. 30, and they’re asking for help. They need volunteers to advise and inform staff on Chinese traditional customs associated with the celebration, and act as facilitators and program developers. Call Kalle Boucher at 613-723-7936.

Heart of the community: February is the annual fundraising month for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the cornerstone of this effort is the neighbourhood canvass. Captains who will take on the recruiting and organizing of eight to 10 canvassers, delivering kits and retrieving the kits and contributions at the end of the canvass, and canvassers who are prepared to visit 20 to 25 neighbours are crucial to this drive. Call Linda Veenstra at 613-399-2589.

Let there be music: The Carefor Perley Day Program provides respite to caregivers who are caring for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis. Participants can socialize and have fun with their peers while enjoying a variety of activities. Music is one of these activities, and they need a musician who would be able to share their musical talents. If you would like to entertain a group of seniors during the week, contact Katie at 613-526-7170 ext. 8808.

Active on land and in the water: The Jack Purcell Community Centre urgently needs a woman who enjoys conversation and fitness to assist a visually-impaired swimmer, one morning a week (10:30 a.m. to noon). Volunteers are also needed to help other participants in this program who need some assistance in the change room. Training and support are provided. If dry land is more your thing, there’s a Rehab Walking and MS exercise programs also need volunteers — great for anyone who wants to share their passion for staying active. Contact Kathy Watcham (613) 564-1050.

What a feast!: Canadian Organic Growers Ottawa Chapter will hold Feast of Fields on the Farm (FFF), a celebration of organic farming practices in August 2011. This year, organic food producers will team up with chefs to create a feast showcasing organic food. Volunteer coordinators are needed to work with the FFF committee to implement plans, to organize and promote the event and help to solicit sponsorships. Some meetings are required. Ideal for those who want to help promote the organic food movement and gain event management experience. Contact Margaret Tourond-Townsen, 613-244-4000 ext. 2.

Get On Board
The Vanier Museopark is dedicated to research, preservation, conservation and public programming, of the past present and future history and heritage of Vanier, of the Richelieu-Vanier Park and the Francophonie in Ottawa. They are looking for bilingual (French, English) candidates from Ottawa, Vanier and the area for its Board of Directors and committees. The candidates should have an experience in budget management and fundraising. and a strong network for helping the Museopark to become a community leader in French heritage. Meetings take place every second Monday of the month. Contact: 613-842-9523 or directrice@museoparc.ca or during the Maple Sugar season, (January – April) help with project management, photography, customer service or security. Contact Gisèle Vallée 613.859.6382 or cabane@museoparc.ca

Variety of Volunteers
Christie Lake Kids is a non-profit organization that services Ottawa\’s at risk children and youth ages 6-17 through a variety of programs aimed at helping kids build self-confidence. Do you play guitar? Do pottery or other arts? Know how to cook? Play sports? Build a ukulele?  Want to share these skills with kids?  There are a variety of programs taking place in the east, centre and west of Ottawa during the evenings and on weekends.  Make a real difference in a young person’s life.  Call Stephanie Miller 613-742-6922 ext 224.

Inspire, engage, and learn!
Sage Youth provides free mentoring and literacy programs to children and youth from low-income, new Canadian, special needs and homeless communities. Volunteers work one-on-one and in small groups supporting students with their literacy and life skills. They need volunteer tutors/mentors! Can you commit 2-2.5 hours/week? Sage Youth runs three programs in the city. Volunteers are needed for morning, afternoon and evenings. You’ll work in a supervised, supportive setting and be provided with all training and materials. Also anted – Volunteer French Editor. Sage Youth operates in partnership with its national sister charity, The Excellence in Literacy Foundation which assists community leaders in the development of sustainable, effective, and ethical literacy programs.  We are in the process of translating our workbooks from English to French and are looking for a volunteer editor to take a look at the French versions and to edit them accordingly. Contact Tamba Dhar 613-838-5539 or visit sageyouth@hotmail.com

Linking Villages
Village Link Tanzania is an organization aiming to connect Tanzanian villagers with opportunities for education and training to give villagers the opportunity to improve their livelihoods by providing skills and resources.  They are putting together a creative group of individuals to work together as a promotions/fundraising team. Opportunities include: – educating the public on our work in Tanzania (this can include presentations to Ottawa high school classes for those interested) – helping to organize fundraising events – developing strategies for increasing the organization’s exposure and capacity. Contact Susan (613) 406-0746 or susan@villagelinktanzania.com

For the animals
The Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge  provides  rehabilitation care to injured and orphaned wild animals, public education on living in harmony with wildlife and advocating on behalf of wildlife and providing a safe, caring and healthy home for unwanted farm animals. Volunteers can help by feeding and caring for the animals. Volunteers are also needed to help maintain the barns and shelters, creating a safe, clean place for the animals in their care. Contact Chris Nuyens 613-836-0366 or commschris@hotmail.com

Let there be music!
Music for Life Fundraising Concerts’ focus is to provide cancer benefit concerts across Canada to raise funds to help local cancer or hospital foundations and  provide a venue to help local artists & entertainers to donate their time and talents within their communities.  A variety of volunteers is needed behind the scenes:  media outreach, event planning and management, people with legal and financial expertise to provide advice and guidance with regard to events, and volunteers to help develop and maintain the website.  If you would like to contribute your talents, contact Anne-Laurie Placide 613.435.6352 or volunteer@musicforlifeconcerts.org

Join us at Billings Bridge Shopping Centre and have cheerful volunteers wrap ALL of your gifts for you. We will be there until 9pm tonight and from 8:00am until 5:00pm on Christmas Eve!

How much for this wonderful service? You choose! We just ask that you make a donation to Volunteer Ottawa. Your donation will help support our programs and services.

Today we will be on CTV Morning Live to talk about gift wrapping and Volunteer Ottawa. Please tune into the show and watch us live at 8:45am. It’s sure to be a fun show!

On the show we will talk about creating personalized bows and we are sure that there will be some fellow community members wanting the instructions. You can click here for the very simple instructions from the Lines Across My Face Blog.

All you need: Paper, glue, scissors
Estimated time: 10 minutes or less.

For more wrapping tips, check out our YouTube Video below:

We hope to see you at Billings Bridge and if not, have a very happy holiday and we looks forward to seeing you in the new year!

Volunteer Ottawa is hosting two movies nights, with proceeds going to support Volunteer Ottawa’s programs and services.

Please join us for:

Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1 – Friday January 6th, 2012 at 7:00pm:

A must see!! Bella and Edward, plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by their ornate nuptials, a romantic honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of their child which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black. With more of the romance, passion, intrigue and action that made Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse worldwide blockbusters.

Get in on the saga: buy your ticket now>>
(Once purchased, tickets can be picked up at Billing Bridge Shopping Plaza, gift wrapping booth)
Cost: $7.00 per person
Location: Ottawa Family Cinema (Notre Dame Auditorium – 710 Broadview Avenue, Ottawa, ON)

Real Steel – Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at 2:00pm

A gritty, white-knuckle, action ride set in the near-future, where the sport of boxing has gone hi-tech, “Real Steel” stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, eight-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max to build & train a championship contender.

Purchase your ticket now>>
(Once purchased, tickets can be picked up at Billing Bridge Shopping Plaza, gift wrapping booth)
Cost: $7.00 per person
Location: Ottawa Family Cinema (Notre Dame Auditorium – 710 Broadview Avenue, Ottawa, ON)

Share your love of Canada:
The Catholic Immigration Centre has a program to help new immigrants and refugees adjust to life in Canada. They need volunteers who have lived in Canada for at least four years, who have a couple of hours a week to spare and who speak English or French fluently to help newcomers in Bayshore/Nepean improve their language skills and knowledge of Canadian culture. A police check is required. Contact Asli Ozcaglar at 613-232-9634 x383, or at communityconnections@cic.ca.

Tax time:
The Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre (NROCRC) is looking for volunteers to help newcomers, seniors and low-income residents prepare their tax returns at our free income tax clinics. The clinics will run in March and April in Osgoode, Barrhaven and the NROCRC offices in the Merivale Mall. Do you enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds? NROCRC will provide the training in February. Call Meghann at 613-596-5626.

A hot meal and a warm smile:
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to individuals to assist them in maintaining their health and independence at home. The meals are delivered by trained volunteers who provide personal contact, a safety and security check as well as an interested daily visitor. Right now, the organization needs volunteer drivers and servers. To bring a smile to these clients’ lives, contact Terry Moxness at 613-233-2424, or at terry@mealsonwheels-ottawa.org.

Toys, toys, toys:
At the Ontario Early Years Centre, young children, their parents and caregivers can take part in programs and activities together and obtain information about services in the community. The Centre is looking for a toy library assistant to inform parents and caregivers about borrowing procedures, load and unload toys from shelves, clean and disinfect toys and perform other administrative duties. A police check is required. If you want to help, contact Maria Neves-Pantano at 613-737-3716 x224, or at mnpantano@afchildcare.on.ca

Got a head for numbers?
The Pinecrest-Queensway Community Centre could use your help. This organization, which provides health, community and social services in the west end of Ottawa, needs help to offer free income tax clinics to low-income community members on Saturdays in March and April. Some sessions are also offered during the week. Training is provided by Revenue Canada. Ability to speak different languages and strong interpersonal skills are assets. A police check is required. Contact Mariana Rodriguez at 613-820-4922 x458, or at m.rodriguez@pqchc.com.

Chatting and learning:
Somali Family Services provides newcomers with the opportunity to improve their English through Chat and Social Conversation groups. One group takes place at the Elmvale Library, starting Jan. 3, from 6: 30 to 8 p.m. They need volunteers to facilitate a group of newcomers to help them practise their English language skills by talking to each other in a group. The commitment is at least six months. Contact Ikram at 613-526-2075 ext. 231 or i.ahmed@scfsottawa.org

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in Saturday’s paper! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column!

Going Green:
Ecology Ottawa is the city’s leading source of information about local environmental issues and events. Right now, they are looking for like-minded people in Rockcliffe, Orléans or Barrhaven who want to work on clean energy issues in their neighbourhood. They are also looking for a volunteer to post French newspaper articles to their website. Contact Janice Ashworth at 613860-5353, or at janice.ashworth@ecologyottawa.ca

Home is Where the Heart Is:
St. Patrick’s Home is a long-term-care facility located at 2865 Riverside Dr. We are looking to fill volunteer positions that include: rehab assistant, coffee shop assistant, mass escort, games assistant, Sunday tea host and meal assistant. Apply in person or online at www.stpats.ca. Contact Kathy Thompson at (613) 731-0094 ext. 235.

Welcome/Bienvenue!:
Volunteer Ottawa needs a part time volunteer receptionist. French is highly desirable, though not mandatory. Receptionist duties include greeting clients, answering the phone, tracking calls and messages, and assisting staff with photocopying and other administrative tasks. The primary computer applications used are Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and Microsoft Outlook. We are looking for someone who can commit to a minimum one day per week for a minimum six months. Opportunities are available for Tuesday and/or Thursdays. Contact Joan Anderson 613-736-5266 ext. 154 or joan@volunteerottawa.ca.

Countdown to Winterlude:
Become a Winterlude volunteer from Feb. 3 to 20, 2012 and join the biggest winter festival in North America. Many opportunities at Jacques-Cartier Park, Confederation Park and other sites, including: snow slide assistant, super games supervisor, Ice Hog, carver and artist hosts, information officers, and many others. Some French skills and a police check are required. For more information, contact the NCC Volunteer Center at 613-239-5373, or at volunteer_benevoles@ncc-ccn.ca.

A Guy Thing:
The Men’s Project, a non-profit men’s counselling agency that has provided services to men and their families since 1997, is seeking volunteers to sit on its board of directors. This agency’s services are designed for men and professionally facilitated by accredited psychotherapists, and their individual programs are tailored to meet men’s needs in a way that speaks to men. If you are interested in becoming involved in their Board or one of its many subcommittees, fill in the form on their website, www.themensproject.ca, or contact Randall Ware, at (613) 230-6179, or at rware@themensproject.ca

Teach English to newcomers:
Do you want to help newcomers to Canada integrate into our community? English Language Tutoring for the Ottawa Community (ELTOC) provides English language tutoring at home for adult newcomers who cannot attend classes. Once a week, students receive free, one-on-one instruction in their homes by volunteer tutors. If you’re interested, contact Jeff Wolfson at 613-232-8566, or at esl@eltoc.ca

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in Saturday’s paper! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column!

Join the team:
Special Olympics Ontario is a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to providing yearround sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. The programs are operated by over 250 dedicated volunteers who support and encourage the athletes. Like to coach? Bowling, basketball, swimming and figure skating are just some areas where our athletes can use some coaching. Like to be on Council? Sport Technical Co-ordinator, Fundraising Committee, Public Relations Committee are now available. Contact Myriam volunteer_coord@specialolympicsottawa.ca.

Calling all accountants:
HelpAge Canada, a non-profit agency whose mission is to promote the health, well-being and social inclusion of seniors at risk and other older adults in Canada and in developing countries, is looking for an accountant to act as treasurer on its Board of Directors. If you have education or work experience in accounting and financial management (CA, CGA, CMA preferred) and experience in the non-profit sector, they could definitely use your help. For more details, contact Jacques Bertrand at 613-232-0727, or at bertrand@helpagecanada.ca.

From the kitchen to the boardroom:
The Carlington Community Health Centre, a non-profit community-based health centre providing health and social services, is looking for a volunteer from the Carlington community with an accounting or legal background to sit on its board of directors. If you are free on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Centre also needs someone to offer maintenance support to the community kitchen team. A police check is required for this posting. For more details on these and several other postings, contact Rosetta Foti at 613-722-4000 x265, or at rfoti@carlington.ochc.org.

Come visit and chat:
The Longfields Manor in Nepean, a long term care facility that provides health care services to seniors who need 24-hour nursing care, is looking for friendly and outgoing people to come visit seniors in their care and provide them with social stimulation. Training and orientation is offered. If this outreach to seniors sounds like your cup of tea, please contact Monty Domingo at 613-823-8999 x225, or at monty.domingo@reveraliving.com.

Me and my pet:
Do you think your pet is the best? Does it get along well with people? Are you bilingual? Then you are what Manoir Marochel Manor is looking for: Someone who wants to share their love of animals with the residents of this long-term care facility. You must be bilingual and a police check is required. The animal must have health and vaccination certificates. Several other volunteer offers are also posted by this organization. Contact Kristine McGahey at 613-744-1861, or at activiter@manoirmarochel.ca.

A Victorian Holiday; Science of yesteryear:
The Canada Science and Technology Museum needs dynamic volunteers to animate demonstrations, crafts and games related to technology from the 19th century with museum visitors! Dec. 23, 2011 to Jan. 8, 2012. Dates and times are flexible (between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Volunteer for a morning, an afternoon or a whole day. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and must contact Cedric St. Amour, co-ordinator, Volunteer Services before Dec. 13, 2011. 613-991-6091 cstamour@technomuses.ca

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in Saturday’s paper! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column!

Ho-Ho-Hold that pose:
Are you a bit of a ham? The Ottawa Humane Society needs volunteers for its Santa Pet Pics Holiday fundraiser. Don a white beard and red coat to help include pets in the traditional families’ holiday portraits while raising funds for the OHS. The Society is looking for Santas with a sense of humour and animal-handling experience who are comfortable with all kinds of animals for any of the following dates: Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec. 10 to Sunday, Dec. 11; Friday, Dec. 16 to Sunday, Dec. 18. A police check is required. Contact Keri Abella at 613 725-3166, x231, or at volunteer@ottawahumane.ca.

Do you like to organize?
ACEworks Support Network is looking for a volunteer co-ordinator to help it set up a new system to attract and recognize volunteers who will support its objectives of helping adults with physical and developmental disabilities and complex special needs through various programs. A police check is required. This organization is also looking for volunteers for its Adult Day Program. Contact Keith Barrett at 613-227-8858, or at keith@partnersinparenting.ca.

A tailor-made opportunity:
Calling all seamstresses and tailors: Bytown Brigantine Inc., a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to building character through the adventure of Tall Ships training, needs volunteers who can sew 60 period costumes for re-enactments to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. All material and patterns are supplied and you can work in their offices or at home. A police check is required. Contact Jason McNaught at 613-596-6258, or at info@tallshipsadventure.org.

Christmas carols, Christmas meal:
Share the spirit of Christmas with those less fortunate – come help Options Bytown. This non-profit organization, providing affordable rent-geared-to-income permanent housing and services to those at risk of homelessness, needs Christmas singers and musicians and people to cook and serve a Christmas meal to tenants. Meals will be offered on Dec. 15 and 20 at two downtown locations. If you’re available for either date, contact Lorraine Bentley at 613-241-6363 x223, or at lbentley@optionsbytown.com.

Holiday Helpings:
The Caring and Sharing Exchange (Christmas Exchange) needs volunteers. Do you have a friendly voice, speak English or other languages? Make phone calls to confirm appointments for toy pickups and hamper deliveries. Or call referring agencies to verify information as part of the Christmas Assistance Program. If the phone isn’t your thing, be part of a team in the Rideau Centre canvassing shoppers for donations during the annual Christmas Cheer broadcast on Thursday, Dec. 8. Volunteers are also urgently needed to help with the annual Running on Empties campaign on Saturday, Dec. 17, collecting empty bottles at Ottawa beer stores. Plenty of times, dates and shifts are available. Get a workplace team or other team together and lend a hand. Contact Sui-Ling Leung at 613-226-6434, ext. 226 or fundraising@caringandsharing.ca.

Do you enjoy the company of good books and good people?
The Friends of the Ottawa Public Library, a grassroots organization whose mission is to enhance and promote Ottawa Public Library Services, needs help to sort and pack books. If you’re available Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., contact Shirley Felker at TallwoodFOPLA@gmail.com.

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in the City Section! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column!

VO: Alishia, tell us a little bit about yourself

Alishia: I am 16, and a student at Earl of March high school.

VO: Alishia, you entered a poster called “Helping Others” – tell us a little bit about your piece.

Alishia: The people were placed in a circle so that it “forms the world”. People can help all over the world to make the world a better place – everyone can contribute!

VO: Great. What volunteer activities do you participate in?

Alishia: I like helping out with local organizations who need media or graphic help. I also want to see more organizations like Habitat for Humanity or TWLOHA (To Write Love on Her Arms) come to Ottawa so I’d be able to volunteer with that more – they’re great causes and TWLOHA is very relevant in the teenage community.

VO: Why do you volunteer?

Alishia: I volunteer to help in areas that I have more skills in to help those who don’t. I also enjoy helping others and seeing the smile on their face when its’ all done.

VO: Thanks for your time Alishia and keep up the good work!

What is the ‘Y Volunteer’ Contest?

The Y Volunteer contest is a great opportunity for youth to promote volunteerism to youth. We don’t want to miss out on any great entries so we have extended the deadline. You now have until midnight Monday, January 2^nd, 2012 to enter.

You have a great compassion towards others and have great ethics.

Famous Fellow Sagittarius

November 22, 1890 – Beethoven – Composer & Musician
November 30, 1874 – Winston Churchill – British Parliament
December 2, 1968 – Lucy Liu – Actress
December 5, 1901 – Walt Disney – Creator of Disney
December 18, 1966 – Steven Spielberg – Film Director

Volunteer Interest Guide

Finding meaningful volunteer work is very important to you! Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Volunteer Help – preparation for World AIDS Day 2011
Canadian AIDS Society

Gifts in Kind Volunteers
Overbrook-Forbes Community Resource Centre

Event planner
Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution

Volunteer Santa Claus-Ottawa Humane Society
Ottawa Humane Society

You can search hundreds of other opportunities and customize your volunteer search on Volunteer Ottawa’s website.

Lace up for a good cause:
If you like to skate, this one’s for you. City of Ottawa Special Needs is looking for someone to help a child with autism integrate into a mainstream skating class at Pinecrest Community Centre. If skating isn’t your thing, this organization offers programs in various community centres to give children, youth and adults with special needs the opportunity to participate in year-round recreation and social activities. A police check is required. For the skating volunteer position, contact Bronwyn McKee-Buckner at 613-580-2424, x29291, or Bronwyn.McKee-Buckner@ottawa.ca. For other volunteer positions, contact Jodie Gilvear at 613-580-2424 ext. 41226 or Jodie.Gilvear@ottawa.ca.

Go Sens Go:
Mothercraft Ottawa is a community organization dedicated to helping families and providers grow and thrive through innovative programs. Fifteen volunteers are needed to sell 50 /50 tickets at Senator home games on Dec. 7, Jan. 2 and 5, Feb. 3 and 11, March 10 and April 3. Great group opportunity! If you’re interested, contact Carol-Ann Finlan at 613-728-1839 x230 or at carol-ann@mothercraft.com specifying date.

 Is community health care important to you?
If so, there is an opportunity for you to join the board of directors of VHA Ottawa, where you can be part of the “health care solution” by influencing and impacting on the direction of home care services provided to frail seniors and people with physical disabilities. At its bi-monthly meetings, the Board provides leadership to VHA Ottawa, sets policy and oversees the organization’s long-term planning. A police check is required. Contact Valerie Bishop de Young at 613-238-8420, or at valerie@vhaottawa.ca.

… and breathe:
The Lung Association’s Ottawa office provides health education programs and helps fund medical research in order to improve lung health. It also houses a lung health education centre providing expert counselling on asthma and COPD. If you are interested, they are looking for office volunteers. Contact Melanie Estable-Porter at 613-230-4200, or at melanie@on.lung.ca

Bring some sunshine into the lives of seniors:
Abbeyfield Houses, which provide accommodation and companionship for up to 10 senior citizens in Ottawa, is looking for volunteers. They need people for their Residency Committee, a recruiter and convener, someone with musical talents and a fun-loving personality and a seasonal decorator for their residence in Ottawa. A police check is required. If you are interested, contact Amanda Mellway at 613-729-4817, or at abbeyfot@magma.ca.

Forget winter and start planning next summer’s bash:
H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) is looking for volunteers to join the 2012 Planning Team for next summer’s Volleyball SummerFest. This core group of volunteers assists in the planning and preparations leading up to the annual big beach bash. If you want to get in on the fun, please contact Laura Andrews at 613-237-1433, or at info@hopehelps.com.

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in the City Section! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column!

Friday Night Fitness:
On Friday evenings between 5: 30 and 6: 30 p.m. at the Jack Purcell Community Centre, a group of enthusiastic blind and visually impaired people meet for an instructor led fitness class involving basic cardio, weights, steps and other equipment. One of the participants needs a little extra help with setting up/putting away equipment, coaching and describing the activities. Bring your good sense of humour, a willingness to learn and a police check – training will be provided. Contact Kathryn Watcham at 613-564-1050.

Share the bounty:
The Overbrook- Forbes Community Resource Centre, a community service agency that offers bilingual services to the various urban neighbourhoods in northeast Ottawa, is searching for a driver to pick up donations to Emergency Food and Gifts in Kind programs for a few hours a week, on Monday or Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to noon. The Centre also needs volunteers to receive, label and organize various donations received. In addition, it is looking for waiters who speak French to set up and prepare tables and serve a meal to seniors on Nov. 16 or Feb. 15. Contact Sergio Guerra at 613-745-0073, x143, or at sergio.guerra@ofcrc.org

Up to a challenge?
National Capital FreeNet is looking for someone to co-ordinate its volunteers, create training material, help volunteers prepare and give seminars, etc. The organization is also looking for a social media seminar leader and people to help with member and office support. A police check is required. Contact Ross Kouhi, at 613-520-9001, x112, or at execdir@ncf.ca

Keep on truckin’:
Youville Centre, which helps single mothers provide a brighter future for themselves and their children, needs drivers (with their own large vehicle) to pick up donations in Ottawa, for delivery at the Centre. Perfect for volunteers who can lift and move large items, and have a valid driver’s licence. Contact Heather Heagney, 613-231-5150, x128, or at communications@youvillecentre.org.

Want to feel 10 feet tall?
Become a Big Sister or Game On! Group Mentor (male) with Big Brothers and Big Sisters Ottawa, dedicated to matching volunteers to young girls and boys and youths. The organization is looking for big sisters in Barrhaven, Ottawa West, Ottawa South and Gloucester-Ottawa East. It is also searching for Group Mentors (male) for its Game On! Program developed for male adolescents. Candidates must have lived in Canada for the past two years and be at least 18 years old. A police check is required. For Big Sisters, contact Enrolment Coordinator, Volunteers at 613-247-4776 or at big@bbbso.ca; for Game On!, contact Jillian at 613-247-4776, or at jillians@bbbso.ca

Yoga, anyone?
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Ottawa Chapter is looking for someone to help assist clients in a yoga class Tuesdays from 10: 45 a.m. to 12: 15 p.m. at Woodroffe United Church; a volunteer to assist with an exercise class for people who live with MS at the Sandy Hill Recreation Centre on Wednesdays from 10: 30 to 11: 45 a.m.; and visiting volunteers to assist with holiday season activities. All positions require a background check. If you’re interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Laurie Cucheran-Morris at 613-728-1583, x225, or at laurie.cucheran-morris@mssociety.ca.

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in the City Section! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column! www.ottawacitizen.com

Last Wednesday Volunteer Ottawa was elated to see that one of our long-time volunteers and supporters, Coralie Lalonde, was honoured with the Mayor’s City Builder Award. We owe much gratitude to Ms. Lalonde, Volunteer Ottawa wouldn’t be where it is today without her continued support. She is an inspiration to our community. Thanks Coralie!

Mayor Jim Watson, with Rideau-Goulbourn Ward Councillor Scott Moffatt, presented the Mayor’s City Builder Award to Coralie Lalonde for her outstanding volunteer work in the community.

Passionate about supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, Ms.Lalonde is co-founder, board member, former chair and volunteer organizer of the Tech Venture Challenge, sparking entrepreneurial spirit among post-secondary students in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario by encouraging them to act on ideas, providing mentorship with successful CEOs and providing networking opportunities with the business community.

Ms. Lalonde has also been a volunteer for various young entrepreneur programs including Junior Achievement of Ottawa-Carleton where she served as board chair, SHAD Valley, the Entrepreneurship Centre, OCRI, the Carleton Biz Camp, the Lemonade Stand Competition, Lead to Win, Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, Algonquin College, TIE, Venture Creations Group, the Ottawa Network and Adventures in High Tech.

Apart from the entrepreneurship sector, Ms. Lalonde was a volunteer with Volunteer Ottawa for 11 years, including as board chair, co-founder of ENGAGE, a program to encourage business leaders to become engaged in their community, a volunteer with the Community Foundation of Ottawa, serving on the board for five years, and a co-founder of the Social Venture Challenge, which encourages students to use their talents to find solutions to community problems.

Passionate about animal welfare, Ms. Lalonde has been a volunteer for the Ottawa Humane Society and a campaigner for the new facility, and a volunteer for The Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre, Paws for Life, Trinity of Hope, the West Quebec SPCA and Navan Animal Rescue.

Also dedicated to quality health care in the community, Ms. Lalonde has been a volunteer and board member for both the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation and a volunteer advisor for FM-CFS Canada.

The Mayor’s City Builder Award is a civic honour created by Mayor Watson to recognize an individual, group or organization that has, through outstanding volunteerism or exemplary action, demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making our city a better place today and for the future. This may include lifelong service, outstanding acts of kindness, inspiring charitable work, community building or other exemplary achievements. Individuals, groups or organizations may be nominated by members of City Council or the public. The award is presented at the beginning of each City Council meeting.

Your personal character is strong and emotional. You have the ability to make quick decisions based on intuition and imagination as well as critical analysis. You are one of those lucky people who have the ability to adapt to many situations, and you love being involved in it all! Amazing!

Famous Fellow Scorpios

October 27, 1914 – Dylan Thomas - Poet
October 27, 1932 – Sylvia Plath – Author
November 7, 1943 – Joni – Mitchell – Singer
November 12, 1945 – Neil Young – Singer
November 12, 1980 – Ryan Gosling – Actor
November 14, 1948 – Prince Charles – British Royalty

Volunteer Interest Guide

Finding meaningful volunteer work is very important to you! Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Public Issues Volunteer
Canadian Cancer Society (Ottawa Unit)

Fundraising Coordinator
Congo Yetu Initiative

Good Food Box Steering Committee – Public Relations volunteers
Centretown Community Health Centre

Board Members (seeking 2-3 additional members)
Just Kiddin’ Theatre

Capital Pride Festival Planning Team Volunteers
Capital Pride Festival of Ottawa-Gatineau

You can search hundreds of other opportunities and customize your volunteer search on Volunteer Ottawa’s website.

Think green:
Ecology Ottawa, a non-profit organization working to make Ottawa the green capital of Canada, has become the leading source of information about environmental issues and events.

They need your help to organize their annual fundraising dinner, a popular event that sells out every year. This year, their dinner will be held on Nov. 10 and they need help with the teams in charge of food donations, silent auction and gift cards. Time commitments are flexible and this is a wonderful opportunity to increase your fundraising and communication skills. Contact Adam Harris at 613-860-5353, or at adam.harris@ecologyottawa.ca

Go Sens Go:
Here’s a great way to attend a Senators home game for free and give a helping hand to Mothercraft Ottawa at the same time. This community organization is dedicated to helping families and providers grow and thrive through innovative programs in the field of early childhood education. It needs 15 volunteers to sell 50 /50 tickets at the Senator home games at Scotia Place in Ottawa on the following dates: Oct. 27 and 30, Nov. 9 and 27, Dec. 7, Jan. 2 and 5, Feb. 3 and 11, March 10 and April 3. If you’re interested, contact Carol-Ann Finlan at 613-728-1839 x230 or at carolann@mothercraft.com, specifying on which date you would like to volunteer.

A star-studded evening:
Dancing with the Stars for Easter Seal Kids is a dance competition with local celebrities who, along with other guests, will judge the dance teams and pick the STARS of this event in support of kids with physical disabilities. In addition to the dance competition, there will also be a cocktail, wine tasting, a great meal, live entertainment, a silent auction and much more. This organization is looking for your help with activities such as: setup and takedown, greeting and ticketing, raffles and auction, etc. Contact Rebecca Holzman at 613-226-3051 x227 or at rholzman@easterseals.org

Reach out to others:
The South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre (SEOCHC) is searching for people willing to visit isolated seniors in their own homes once a week, and go for walks, have tea and a chat or watch a movie together, among other activities. The Centre is also seeking people to drive seniors and adults with a physical disability to medical appointments. Drive schedules are flexible – drivers get a week’s notice and their mileage is reimbursed. You must have a valid driver’s license and a car. Contact Christina Driedger at 613-737-5115 or at christinad@seochc.on.ca

Bring out the popcorn:
The Free Thinking Film Society needs volunteer helpers at its Free Thinking Film Festival, from Nov. 11 to 13 at the National Library and Archives Canada. These people will sell tickets, food and drinks and help in general at the Festival. In exchange, volunteers get to see films for free.

This non-profit corporation shows films and celebrates efforts of risk-taking documentarians who value limited democratic government, free market economies, equal opportunities and the dignity of the individual and who show a healthy and patriotic respect for western culture and traditions. Contact Fred Litwin at 613-261-9060 or at fred. litwin@gmail.com

In the family:
Families Matter is a co-operative supporting families who have an adult member with intellectual disabilities, providing information, support and opportunities to socialize and share. Committee members are needed to help with communications, research and fundraising. This opportunity is great for volunteers to gain experience and contacts within this sector or for retired people who want to give back to their community. Contact Miriam Fry at 613-733-0112.

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in the City Section! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column! www.ottawacitizen.com

Sharing a hobby:
Be a part of an individual’s life, sharing your love of computer games twice a week for 2-3 hours. Do you live and breathe video PS3 games (such as NHL 2012, Wrestling,& Bioshock)? Are you willing to help teach people how to play PS3 games, using the system to connect to the Internet? The Ottawa Rotary home provides a home-away-from-home to guests with significant disabilities. If music, art and cooking are more your thing, you could volunteer to play music, lead people in crafts and teach basic cooking skills. A police records check and immunization check are required. Interested? Contact Amy McKay 613-236-3200.

Behind the Mask:
Odyssey Theatre is Ottawa’s only professional mask theatre company. Odyssey is seeking experienced, hands-on individuals for two committees that report to its Board of Directors: Marketing /Communications and Fundraising Committees. A two year commitment is desired. Ideally, volunteers will have a college or university degree or equivalent experience, prior experience on a board or committee in a not-forprofit or private sector organization, several years’ work experience and a love of theatre. Contact Dana Uzarevic at 613-232-8407.

Harmony:
Harmer House needs volunteers in several different areas, in the day-to-day operation of this unique seniors’ residence. We need office help: consisting of 3 1/2 hrs. at the reception desk. Harmony Cafe needs volunteers to help in two hour shifts, particularly on Saturday morning. Van drivers are needed to transport day program clients as part of the outreach program. In-house, volunteers help seniors to enjoy the day program. Are you positive and want to help seniors with daily activities? Contact Rae Pedersen at 613-726-8882.

Party Time:
Come join the Diefenbunker for the very popular Bunker Birthday Parties. The team offers up to six Bunker Birthdays a weekend for kids ages 5-12. They’re looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer to help. The parties are spy themed where children can learn the art of espionage. Participants go on secret missions, crack codes, make spy gadgets, dress up, and “find Agent X” as they explore this 100,000 square foot wonder underground. Great for high school students and those wanting volunteer experience. You will need a police check and transportation. Contact Heather Montgomery at 613-839-0007 x223.

Snap!:
Volunteer photographer wanted to take and print on-site portraits of guests at their annual Breast Cancer Action Gala and Auction on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Sala San Marco (215 Preston St). You would be responsible for providing your own equipment for the photos including an on-site printer to print the photos. Photos will be sold to guests on site with proceeds going to the BCA (they can negotiate a percentage of the sales to cover the costs of printing and materials). The photographer will also be acknowledged on the BCA website leading up to the event and at the event on select promotional materials. Contact Karen Graszat, executive director, executivedirector@bcaott.ca or call 613-736-5921.

In any language:
Carlingview Manor has more than 300 residents of different ages and cultures. Volunteers who speak different languages would be welcome as friendly visitors. English, French, Polish, Italian – if you have some time to spare and share, they would love to hear from you. Contact Robyn Brockings 613-820-9328 ext. 219.

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in the City Section! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column! www.ottawacitizen.com

Famous Fellow Libras

September 25, 1929 – Barbara Walters – Interviewer
September 28, 1901 – Ed Sullivan – TV Host
October 9, 1940 – John Lennon – Singer, The Beatles
October 1, 1935 – Julie Andrews - Actress and Singer
October 14, 1894 – E.E. Cummings – Poet
October 17, 1938 – Evel Knievel – Dare Devil
October 21, 1833 – Alfred Nobel – Chemist

Volunteer Interest Guide

Finding meaningful volunteer work will be easy for you! Here are just a few:

Peer Support Worker
APPLE (A Post Psychiatric Leisure Experience)

Community Connections (Host Program )- Discover a new Culture
Catholic Immigration Centre, Ottawa / Centre catholique pour immigrants, Ottawa

Looking for volunteer advocates for individuals with disabilities
Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa / Parrainage civique d’Ottawa

Hospitality Volunteer
Canadian Blood Services (CBS)

You can search hundreds of other opportunities and customize your volunteer search on Volunteer Ottawa’s website.

I saw it in the paper:
Every week dozens of people read Volunteer Roundup and become volunteers. If you’re available for an hour or so a week; if you’re familiar with the community and its agencies and services; if you have basic computer skills and an informal and informative writing style, you could be the volunteer behind Volunteer Roundup. It would be a plus if you were bilingual. This is a position that is in the process of being expanded and enriched. The workplace is fully accessible and there are plans to make it possible to contribute from home. Call Shelley Morris from Volunteer Ottawa at 613-736-5266, ext. 152.

It’s a gift:
The gift boutique at Montfort Hospital is an important source of funds for the facility and they need bilingual volunteers to keep it humming. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Pick one or more four-hour shifts a week. They’ll train you. Just bring a smile and comfortable shoes. Call Marielle Beauchesne at 613-746-4621, ext. 2019.

Driving need:

Cornerstone: Housing for Women

Tea and company:
The Canadian Blood Services needs a gift from you, even if you can’t be a donor. They want your presence to welcome and thank donors, and keep an eye on the clients to make sure they’re following self-care instructions. The need exists in both the headquarters and the Bloodmobile. They ask for one four hour shift a week during the day. Be prepared for a lot of standing. Call Andrew Jordon at 613-560-7239.

Bring your work boots:
Habitat for Humanity operates two ReStores, one at 7 Enterprise (Hunt Club and Merivale) and the other at 2370 Walkley Rd. If you’re over 16, you can pick your spot from customer service, stocking and organizing goods, pickup, area experts and store associates. You really will need steel-toed boots and may have to do some heavy listing. Shifts are available both during weekdays and weekends. Call Peggy Winstan at 613-749-9950, ext. 229.

Meet, greet, help:
The information desks at the Ottawa General and Civic hospital campuses need volunteers with communication and people skills to staff these positions. Some of the tasks are directing and escorting patients to areas within the hospital, finding transportation for patients and providing information and directions for visitors and the general public. This position is suitable for a person with a disability. Call Denise Hawken at 613-737-8899, ext. 82527.

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in the City Section! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column! www.ottawacitizen.com

Your talents are limitless and you are never too busy to volunteer your services. The only problem is that everybody wants you and you never say no! You know there is enough of you to go around!

Famous Fellow Virgos:

August 25, 1930 – Sean Connery – Actor
August 26, 1910 – Mother Teresa – Missionary & Nobel Peace Prize Winner
August 28, 1965 – Shania Twain – Canadian Country Singer
August 29, 1958 – Michael Jackson – Singer
September 7, 1533 – Queen Elizabeth I – British Royalty

Volunteer Interest Guide

• Community Outreach and Development
• Education / Training / Tutoring
• Event Assistance / Planning
• Health / Medical
• Volunteer Coordination

These are only ideas – you can find many more on your own!

To find you’re a volunteer opportunity that suits your unique personality, customize your search on volunteerottawa.ca

It’s never too late:
Entraide budgetaire recognizes that there are people who file income tax returns sometimes 10 years late. They have a service that offers volunteer help with these returns, and they want to open the service to low-income, self employed workers. You can help if you’re fluent in French, experienced with software dealing with income tax returns and available a half-day or one evening a week. Call Mara Martin at 613-746-0400 ext. 204.

Do you have a passion for speaking?:

The C3 Centre is organizing a series of professional development workshops and they need speakers and facilitators to make it work. All you need is a message and the communication skills to present it. The centre provides advertising, support, audience, even refreshments.

Your topic could be anything from dealing with the media, business and the workplace, to marketing and communication. Bilingualism would be a definite asset. This venue is accessible to persons with a disability. Or, if WordPress is more your thing, a volunteer is needed to contribute items in WordPress on the C3 Centre website. Call Teresa O’Neill at 613-736-5270 ext. 118.

Dance with the stars:
On Friday Oct. 28, Easter Seals Ottawa presents the fundraising Dancing with the Stars Gala for Easter Seals Kids. From Sept. 8 to Nov. 8, the agency needs a sales and promo volunteer to confirm ticket orders, follow up with donation and sponsorship requests and organize the silent auction. You’ll need a good phone manner and basic computer capability. Call Rebecca Holzman at 613-226-3051 ext. 227.

Background music:
There’s an international conference in Ottawa from Sept. 22 to 25 for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and related conditions (The National ME/FM Network) They need music. Part of the conference will include two receptions, Sept. 22 from 5: 30 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m. and Sept. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., both at the Delta Ottawa City Centre Hotel. If you’re a musician who could provide background music for both or either of these events, please call. Suggested styles are classical, light jazz or old standards. Call Lydia E. Neilson at 613-829-6667.

Words and pictures:
Banff Avenue Community House needs two special volunteers. One is a board training facilitator, someone who can lead a seminar or leaders in planning, strategy and goal setting for a non-profit community agency. The other request is for a photographer to produce work for a fundraising event. Call Sylvie Manser at 6137395702.

Family farm fare:
Nepean Museum is planning a season of programs at Fairfields, a Victorian farmhouse in Nepean. Some of the programs are The Dairy Dash September 11, Happy Harvest Sunday October 2, and a Victorian Christmas in December.

They need help with setting up, delivery and tearing down. This is a great opportunity for youth and family groups. Call Katie Graham at 613-723-7936.

Special thanks to the Ottawa Citizen for publishing Volunteer Ottawa’s Volunteer Roundup! weekly in the City Section! Great community organizations and people are benefiting from this great column! www.ottawacitizen.com