Walkabout at the Compass Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Dayna, North End Resident and Reader

“I look forward to the always-prompt delivery of the next edition to my mailbox, and to receiving the email alerting me to its availability! I so appreciate that there remains a local community paper at a time when so many others have ceased publication. It’s been a great introduction to the North End!”

Kristina Santone

“Being a part of the North End Breezes board for the past two years has been a privilege. The team does amazing work within the community and serves as a resource hub for all. They are committed, and most importantly, passionate about preserving the North End’s legacy, while also continuing to foster its growth. Whether you are new to the area, or a longtime resident, I encourage you to volunteer with the Breezes in some capacity if you’re able. This team is small but mighty and they are always looking for more support. I’m grateful for the relationships and community I’ve been able to build while serving on the board.

I’ll be joining Welcome Inn as the Executive Director and look forward to taking on a new role in the North End Community while staying connected to The Breezes. “

Submitted by Ken Hirter

On Friday April 19th 2024 Compass Community Health held a Celebration of the Champions dinner to show their appreciation for their volunteers.
CEO Kathy Allan-Fleet welcomed the guests and noted this year’s theme “For Our Everyday Champions” recognizes the incredible volunteers who contribute time and talent to Compass programs and to the community. She noted that clients, staff and community partners appreciate the dedication to the success of the centre. “Like each individual thread makes weaving stronger, every volunteer’s experience, perspective, and abilities add to our collective resilience and reinforces our ability to grow, thrive and create change within our community, province and country. Knowing our volunteer’s contributions are valued and meaningful creates a greater sense of purpose and dedication. I am humbled by your generosity of spirit and your compassion. It is all of you who selflessly give of your time, your warmth, your humor and your caring. It is all of you, doing what you do together to help us achieve our Vision of No Obstacles to Health. This evening we celebrate you ! “

She added “Please enjoy the food and activities. Tonight we are joined by a wonderful Hamilton based singer Chris Ayries and her accompanist, who will be performing songs in French for our Paris themed party and the forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

I would like to give a big thank you to our staff and Leadership that helped to prepare for this evening’s event – it takes a team – thank you !
And most importantly a special thank you to each and every one of you – our volunteers for being here, for your contributions and for continuing to support the Health Centre and community. “
The groups/programs with their volunteers who were on hand included The Breakfast Club, the Grub Club, Grow Well, Latin Senior Group, Pathway to Education, Senior Kitchen, Welcome Baby and many more.

Throughout the evening l spoke to some of the wonderful volunteers and asked why they volunteer.
” Because l love to help people out and l love to volunteer ” Alexis Brown ( Breakfast Club)
” Because it is fun to do, to look after the children. To keep busy and it gets me out of the house” Marjorie Ottery ( Breakfast Club)
” l love to make life better for others. It is my way to say “Thank you” for making my life better.

Helping others cost absolutely nothing. “ Corey LeBlanc ( Diabetes Kitchen and Sit & Fit yoga )
Debbie Logel-Butler closed the evening
” Thank you for being here to celebrate our everyday champions ! It is my pleasure as a Compass Community Health Board Member and Chair of the Board Governance Committee to offer our deepest thanks on behalf of the Board of Directors at Compass. It is an honor to be part of this celebration with my fellow Health Centre volunteers. According to Statistics Canada, in 2018, over 24 million people volunteered, accounting for 79% percent of Canadians aged 15 and older. Volunteers dedicated approximately 5 Billion hours to their volunteer activities, a number of hours equivalent to over 2.5 million full-time year round jobs. Our community benefits from volunteers just like you and l. Organizations like Compass depend on each of you to share your expertise, time and commitment with our staff and clients to help improve the health of the community. This evening we are so grateful to all of you, our everyday champions. I hope you enjoyed the evening and please get home safely.

Fun was had by all in attendance from the door prizes, activities and thanks to Bar Burrito www.barburrito.ca for the delicious food and to the Chris Ayries Duo and their beautiful opening number La Vie En Rose.

If you are interested in volunteering here at Compass please contact Sarah French at (905) 523- 6611 extension 3063. For more information on their wonderful programs please visit their web site at www.compassch.org