As non-profit organizations struggle to recover from the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to give where you live.
Nov. 29 marked Giving Tuesday, a day created in 2012 with the simple goal of encouraging people to do good in their own communities.
“It’s easy to forget how much you get back when you give,” noted Mississippi Mills mayor Christa Lowry during a Giving Tuesday event at the Pakenham branch of the Mississippi Mills Public Library.
“We hope it may bring more awareness on why we do this,” added Melissa Renaud, Lanark 4H president. “There’s a reason people devote so much time to doing what they do.”
Here are the five youth organizations highlighted by the municipality.
Pictured, from left: Sharon Bjergso, partnership co-ordinator with Food For Thought; Kirby Koster, group commissioner and leader with the 2nd Almonte Scouts; Mississippi Mills Youth Centre executive director Lilli Northangel; Lanark County 4H Association president Melissa Renaud; and Big Brothers Big Sisters executive director Jennifer Miller. | Ashley Kulp/Metroland
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF LANARK COUNTY
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County (BBBSLC) offers community and site-based mentorship opportunities to youth.
According to executive director Jennifer Miller, the wait list for children to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister “is the highest I’ve seen it in the time I’ve been involved in the agency.”
She attributes it to pandemic recovery. “COVID affected the non-profit sector in ways that will take years for us to recover.”
In 2022, 300 kids have been served by the organization, compared to 800 four years ago. With no sustainable government funding provided, staff numbers cut in half and a shortage of volunteers, Miller said “we’re in rebuilding mode.”
To volunteer, visit lanark.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
2ND ALMONTE SCOUTS
Kirby Koster, group commissioner and leader with the 2nd Almonte Scouts said retaining volunteers with his organization is also a challenge.
Scouts Canada offers youth aged five to 26 the opportunity to discover themselves through outdoor adventures, life and survival skills.
“Our key message is: Scouts is a lot of fun,” he remarked.
Koster said with many established volunteers with the local chapter for 10 to 20 years, he’s hoping to “bring in younger folks to join us as leaders and on the executive level.”
Visit their Facebook page for more information.
LANARK COUNTY 4H ASSOCIATION
Did you know you don’t have to live on a farm to be involved in 4H? Renaud said that’s a common misconception.
“We have clubs that kids can join no matter what the demographic — baking, cooking, crafting, livestock and more,” she noted. “There’s something for everyone.”
Getting involved in 4H helps youth gain valuable life skills, meet new friends and try something new. Renaud said each club in the association relies on volunteers; the more who donate their time, the more clubs they can offer.
Find out more at the association’s website or email lanarkcounty4h@gmail.com.
Melissa Renaud, Lanark County 4H Association president talks about the organization. | Ashley Kulp/Metroland
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If your child has been provided a nutritious breakfast or snack at school in Lanark County, it’s probably thanks to the Food For Thought program.
Co-ordinator Sharon Bjergso said the initiative, established in 2001, is offered in all county schools.
“Our programs are open to everyone,” she stressed. “The food is there and everyone is welcome to eat it, no questions asked.”
While it receives some government funding, the dedication of more than 300 volunteers is what keeps it going.
And the demand keeps growing. In September 2021, Bjergso said 1,669 meals were provided compared to this September’s 5,692.
To get involved, email bjergso@sympatico.ca or call 613-267-6833.
MISSISSIPPI MILLS YOUTH CENTRE
Active since 2016, the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre (MMYC) provides drop-in and structured programming for youth aged 10 to 18.
“We provide programming six days a week for youth during those critical hours when they don’t have access to other supports and services,” explained executive director Lilli Northangel.
It offers everything from homework help, to cooking and skills swap programs. In collaboration with other youth centres, that cooking program served more than 80,000 meals during COVID.
Volunteers are always needed but Northangel asked for support through its online shop, where much of the merchandise has been created by youth.
Find out more at www.mmyc.ca.
