Overview
The more things change, the more they remain the same. Back in 1863, volunteers were the foundation of JFS. More than 140 years later, it is still true. Generation to generation, family to family, person to person, volunteers have always been the heart of our agency and they still are.

The Volunteer Department offers numerous volunteer services to a diverse population of children, adolescents, adults and families. Volunteers choose from a variety of projects, which suit their particular interests and skills. You can be a tutor, a big brother or big sister; you can mentor a teenager, drive someone disabled to appointments, share a holiday with a single-parent family or help a young adult work out a budget. You can work in a classroom, at the agency, visit a client at home, or spend your time meeting people at the park for a chat. The possibilities are vast. All our volunteers receive ongoing guidance from professionals and all are eligible to participate in our training sessions, which are intended to enhance helping skills and provide solid experience that can contribute to personal and professional goals.
Young mentors make positive role models
Volunteers are a vital part of JFS. For more information on how to get involved, contact Linda Mestel, (514) 342-0000 ext. 3435


Opportunities
Big brother/big sister: Develop a friendship with a boy or girl, aged 5 to 12 years, who would benefit from having an added stable relationship in their lives. One-year commitment required.

Mentor: Develop a relationship with a teenager over the course of a year and become a role model. Open to individuals between 18 and 33 years of age, able to commit to 6 to 8 hours a month.

Grandparent: Chance for older adults and young children to share their lives while participating in recreational activities. One-year commitment required.

Tutor: Assist students aged 5 to 16, with their schoolwork for one hour per week, after school, evenings or weekends.

Classroom partner: Provide remedial help to one or more students in a school setting, several hours per week.

Babysitter: Babysitting for young children from infancy to 11 years, in a private home or group setting, for an occasional or regular weekly commitment.

Driver: Assist clients with transportation to medical appointments and other essential errands.

Shopping mate: Offer occasional help to clients for personal shopping and essential errands.

Mental health supporter: Provide companionship to adults with mental illness living in the community - through phone calls, home visits and outings.

Parent aide: Offer guidance, support and companionship to families experiencing difficulty managing.

Skills bank: Matches clients with professionals and tradespeople offering services at reduced cost.

Fiscal fitness: Provide budget counselling and guidance to individuals and families experiencing financial distress. Commitment can be flexible.

Le Mercaz Food Roundup:
The 12th Annual Le Mercaz Food Roundup will take place on Sunday, September 17th, 2006. More than 500 volunteer drivers and runners will be needed between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to go door-to-door to collect food bags. There will be two food depots: the Cavendish Mall in Côte St. Luc and Congregation Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Dollard Des Ormeaux.

MADA - Le Mercaz kosher food bank
There is always work to be done at the food bank. Volunteers are needed to help stock the shelves or fill food baskets. Volunteer trips to the food bank can be organized on Sundays for friends and families, or for a class or youth group.