By:  Jinny Wong

Imagine seeing your family drive away and leave you behind.

That’s what many furry little friends go through everyday as families move, or are no longer able to care for their pets.

Some cats are found in dumpsters with frostbites, worms and poisoned by humans who see them as a nuisances.

At North Toronto Cat Rescue, their mission is to provide a safe and caring environment for all cats and kittens.  They provide veterinary care and support during recovery, and help to find the cats a “forever home”.

They are unique because they not only support a no-kill policy, but also a no-cage policy.  That means the felines they take in are free to run around and play, leading a lifestyle as close to a real home as possible.

The NRTC is also apart of a community project where school children can come in to gain hands on experience caring for animals.  This type of community service provides a valuable learning environment for both the children and the cats, adjusting to their new surroundings.

Visit the NRTC website for a complete listing of their adoptees, fun bumper stickers, and for more information on their volunteer/donation programs.  They are currently in urgent need of a grant letter writer, and people to join the shelter team.

The NRTC annual fundraiser will be held at Simeon Park on Sunday, August 15th from 10am-6pm.  This event is open to the public and is sponsored by Magna International Inc.

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Their programs and services meet a variety of support needs for individuals, families and care providers.  Any individual facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness, regardless of age or medical condition, can access hospice support.  Members of their families or others who have suffered a loss can also access complementary supports, where available.

If you are looking for meaning in your life, volunteering with The Dorothy Ley Hospice might be exactly what you need.  You can help others in the community who are living with the challenges of a life-limiting illness or loss.  Only with your help can we meet their physical, emotional, spiritual and support needs helping them to live life to the fullest regardless of how much time they have left.

Lots of fantastic and unique opportunities available:

Kitchen Support Staff: Kitchen staff create breakfast, lunch and dinner with the support team for the residents. Shifts available daily from 8am-11am, 11am-3pm, and 4pm-8pm.

Hospitality: Role is to provide a friendly welcome, and support for all the residents.

30 Massage Therapists Wanted: The Hospice offers daily free massages to residents.

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With Cross-Cultural Solutions, you’ll volunteer side-by-side with local people and experience another culture like never before. The CCS experience also includes cultural activities and learning experiences, so that you can learn about the local culture. These include an in-depth orientation, language training, guest speakers and more. There is also plenty of free time to relax, reflect, or explore the community.

The Experience:

Volunteer Abroad is available in 12 countries – Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania and Thailand.

You can pick to stay anywhere between 1 week and 12 weeks.

CCS volunteers work in orphanages and child care centers, schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes for the elderly, centers for the disabled, and other communityorganizations.

We believe that free time is important so you can get to know the community and people in your own way. That’s why you’ll always have some afternoons, most evenings, and every weekend all to yourself. Whether alone or with fellow volunteers, this is your chance to visit local attractions, take the path less traveled, or simply take time to rest and reflect.

There is also a great opportunity for teens 15 to 17 – Teen Volunteer Abroad. The teen program runs much like their other programs, however their is 24 hour security, supervision and protection, so you know your teen is safe!

Head to their website and learn everything you need to know to get you started on a life changing trip!

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The Mackenzie awards celebrate an entire generation of youth that are giving back, donating their time and money, and inspiring others to create change – not just change in a few years – change NOW!

Mackenzie Investments realized Canadian teens were a powerhouse of giving, after they commissoned a 2007 philanthropy survey (check it out) of Canadians aged 13-19 to measure their giving and volunteering beliefs, actions and trends.

The astounding key findings include:

1) 93% of Canadian teens have been involved in philanthropic activity

2) With their own money (ie from part time jobs or allowance) the 3 million teens in Canada donate an average of $293 a year, just below the $400 Canadian adults donate

3) On average teens raise $516 per year through fundraising efforts

4) 84% of teens donate at least 5 hours a year to charitable causes

THE AWARDS:

-The winner receives a prize of $5,000 to go to their charity of choice and $1,000 in cash for themselves, to help invest into their future.

-The five runners-ups receive $500 each for their charity of choice.

-The deadline for entries is in November, 2010.

Are you active in your community and interested in applying?! Celebrate all the great things you do – and help out your favorite charity at the same time! Check out guidelines and the application for the awards HERE

Check out the Winner and Runner-Up’s Profiles!

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At Get Involved there are tons of volunteer opportunities that are constantly being posted. Here are some highlights of great opportunities posted this week:

Youth Assisting Youth is looking for volunteer mentors aged 16 to 29 to mentor our juniors aged 6 to 15. Head to their volunteer information and training session on Tuesday, December 1, from 6:00PM – 7:30PM to learn more.

Cynthia is looking for volunteers to participate in the 30 hour famine event in Ottawa.

Earthroots is looking for gently used vintage clothing and accessories for their clothing drive.

Check out over 1000 more opportunities here! Also, let us know how you Get Involved through Twitter or by joining our Facebook Group.

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