Volunteers give freely of their time and expertise in order to make a difference. Volunteering can help you: make important networking contacts; learn or develop skills; gain work experience; build self-esteem and self-confidence; improve health; help you meet new people; feel needed and valued; make a difference in someone’s life; express gratitude for help you may have received in the past from an organization.

Whether it is important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise.

If you step into the offices of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association you need only say “I’d like to be a volunteer” to set into motion a process that could have a huge impact upon your life. You will be greeted by staff members–and sometimes by volunteers who work in the office–with warm smiles and appreciation for your willingness to offer your time. The next thing will be an application form handed to you to write down some information on your background, hobbies and interests, and what kinds of experiences you wish to have during your volunteer activities. An interview with one of our co-ordinators will be arranged before you leave the office so that you can start the conversation about volunteering.

Next week I’ll write Part 2 of this column which will cover the next steps of volunteering to change your life.

Seniors Luncheon Social events

Seniors are encouraged to come on out and enjoy great food and conversation with old and new friends on Wednesday, Jan. 9 in Picton; Jan. 16 in Milford; and on Jan. 30 in Hillier. The menu for these events features homemade soup, beef and vegetable stew, potatoes, vegetable, warm dessert, bread and butter, coffee and tea and will be catered by Bill Grieve, the chef with Wheel House View Catering. The cost is $10 per person. On Jan. 9 and Jan. 16 Lorraine Ross of Alzheimer Society will make a presentation about dementia. On Jan. 30 there will be an update on the County Seniors Centre. This event is sponsored by Community Care. Reserve by the Tuesday prior at noon by calling 613-476-7493. Delivery and take-out meals are available.

Drop-in coffee mornings

The County Seniors Centre is holding coffee mornings starting every Tuesday and Thursday morning for the month of January. These informal gatherings for seniors 60-plus will be held at the Community Care office at 74A King Street, from 9:30 10:30 a.m. Drop-in for coffee, to chat, play games, meet new and old friends plus learn about the County Seniors Centre programs. This event is free and all seniors are welcome. Call 613-476-7493 for more information.

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes