City recognizes contributions of local volunteers during National Volunteer Week

BRANTFORD, ON – Today, Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis raised the Brant Regional Association of Volunteer Administrators (BRAVA) Flag at City Hall to officially recognize the week of April 18 to 24, 2021 as National Volunteer Week in Brantford. This year’s theme, The Value of One, The Power of Many recognizes the countless contributions volunteers make towards the betterment of our community.

Volunteers in our community help ensure residents have safe, easy access to food. Others help seniors feel connected by offering their time for a phone chat. Business volunteers provide low-income tax clinics for individuals and families in need. From a community clean-up, to using your skillset to mentor youth, these are just some of the ways that individuals can get involved in making a difference in Brantford.

“At a challenging time when volunteers and neighbours helping neighbours is more important than ever, I want our volunteers to know how much we appreciate them,” says Mayor Kevin Davis. “Brantford is a strong and resilient city and I’m very proud of how many people have reached out to offer their help to their neighbours in need. The City is proud to recognize all of our volunteers and various community partners who give their time, expertise and energy so generously to make our city a better place to live, work and play.”

On April 18th, the City of Brantford launched a “Volunteer Week” campaign that will feature and highlight the contributions of a volunteer each day of the week on the City’s social media platforms.

As evidenced by the volunteer testimonials outlined below, volunteering of an individual’s time and skills is a great way to meet people, enhance professional growth, earn volunteer hours and gain valuable work experience. Citizens can learn more about ways they can volunteer with the City of Brantford at www.brantford.ca/Volunteer or they can explore community partner volunteer opportunities at www.BRAVABrant.com.

Quotes from some of our valued community volunteers

“Volunteering is very important for me as it gives me great satisfaction for myself. I feel I get more out of it than I am giving. I have made many friendships along the way in the past 11 years. I feel a great sense of purpose and each time I leave it feels very rewarding. Prior to COVID-19 I volunteered at John Noble Home working with the residents and staff assisting with recreation programs, meal enhancement, the front desk, and clerical work as well as working in the Skylight Café.” Mae Litt, Volunteer, John Noble Home

“To me, volunteering is being able to give back and help others. I volunteer because I love it. I love the ability to help make a difference in the world, even if it is just small. There’s no better feeling than being able to make someone’s day a little brighter. I have volunteered at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie for 5 years. I’ve been a mentor to my little for over 2 years now, worked with the Circle Group program as well as the In-School Mentor program prior to being matched with my amazing little sister.” Brittney Martorano, Volunteer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie

“It means the world to me to serve. All my life, just like my Mom, being a single Mom with three sons, I too have been in need. It’s an honour to serve and give back. So far, I have spent over 40 years volunteering in this community at the Home and School Association, Hungarian Hall and Village, Brantford Blessings Centre, my church, Brantford Food Bank and Christmas Baskets, and Gretzky Hockey Tournaments. Now that I’m retired, I have even more time to give to my community and more quality time to share with my grandkids!” Marian Sammut, Volunteer, Community Resource Services and Brantford Food Bank

“Volunteering has given me the opportunity to gratefully give back to the Brantford community after an enriching career in education. I volunteer with multiple organizations including my church, RWTO-Brant and PROBUS. For the past 16 years, much of my volunteer focus has been at Stedman Community Hospice. I have filled many roles supporting staff, patients, and other volunteers. During the pandemic, volunteering has given me a sense of direction and something positive to focus on. Currently, I am excited to be providing leadership for a new legacy project at the hospice that will benefit patients and create new at-home volunteering opportunities for others.” Sylvia McIver, Volunteer, Stedman Community Hospice

“I Volunteer in the Gift Shop. I am missing it at the moment. I love when a patient or a family member come into the Gift Shop. Sometimes all they need is for someone to listen to them. If I am not busy, I will lend an ear and listen. Some have talked to me for a long time. When they were done, they were very grateful that I was there to listen. I love the interaction with the public overall. I am a people person and I love to interact with everyone who comes through the door. It certainly does give me great pleasure to be able to give a helping hand or ear.” Lorraine Good, Volunteer, Brant Community Healthcare Systems

About BRAVA Brant

Brant Regional Association of Volunteer Administrators (BRAVA) was created in 1988 to promote and recognize the contributions that volunteers make in our community. BRAVA supports volunteerism in all areas of the community such as health care, education, arts and culture, faith, and social services. It supports volunteerism in the City of Brantford and the County of Brant through educational workshops, special recognition events, promotion of volunteer opportunities, and by providing a network in which volunteer administrators are able to share ideas and best practices.

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Media Contact:
Sharon Sayles | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-756-9900 ext.5218 | ssayles@brantford.ca