Non-Profit organizations and charities are busy year-round providing support and services for those in need in your community. Extra help is especially needed during the holiday season that’s approaching as many people tend to donate more around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Volunteers are the backbone of any organization as they help ensure that the operations of these organizations continue to run smoothly and everyone is being served and cared for. If you are unsure where you may like to volunteer or what organizations are in your area, we have put together a guide of some charities and non-profit organizations that may be needing help during this upcoming holiday season in the City of Orillia.
The Sharing Food Place
The Sharing Food Place in Orillia began as a want to combat food insecurity and to help Orillia residents who are currently living with food insecurity. They provide access for families and children to nutritious food through a diverse set of programs.
Helping Hands Orillia
Helping Hands Orillia is a community support service for Seniors and adults living with physical disabilities. Through this organization, they empower seniors and those living with physical disabilities to stay in their homes and maintain their independence. Volunteers can help by providing transportation to appointments, assisting with meals and housekeeping, or just making a friendly visit for some social time.
The Lighthouse
The lighthouse helps those who find themselves homeless or those having a hard time finding affordable housing find housing options and helps them stay housed. Volunteers can help at their shelter or soup kitchen or help them during the moving process.
Empower Simcoe
Empower Simcoe offers children with intellectual disabilities an alternative to institutional placement by providing preschool services, community living, and regional house support. There are a variety of volunteer options throughout the different sectors of this organization, but some examples are signing up for one-to-one mentorship through social visits and outings, doing activities and providing friendship, drivers to get them to appointments, or supporting caregivers at their home.
Greenhaven Shelter For Women
Greenhaven is a 24-hour safe emergency shelter for women and children. Volunteers can help by providing crisis support through their emergency line, crisis counseling, helping them find community resources and transitional housing options, as well as shelter support with meals.
Hospice Orillia
Hospice Orillia is a support service for terminally ill individuals in Orillia. Volunteers can help with anything from visits with those who have a life-limiting illness, to bereavement support for those who may be dealing with the loss of a loved one or helping with community events.
Volunteering is a humbling experience and is a great way to get involved with your community and give back. We urge you to consider volunteering with one of these organizations or another in the area you live.
-The BDAR Team