The Tri County Literacy Council held its volunteer appreciation event on Thursday, May 24, at their location on Second Street West.
“It’s about honouring the many, many volunteers that help our organization in different capacities,” said Carol Ann Maloney, coordinator of volunteers at Tri County Literacy.
Some of the areas where volunteers are greatly needed include one on one, in the class room for adults, community homework and afterschool program, administration as well as serving on the board of directors.
One area that is very important, is with adults who struggle with basic reading, writing, math and computer skills, explains Maloney. “It’s kind of a large number of people that have this problem, but they have a lot of shame about it, so it takes a lot of courage for them to receive help.”
She said that with the assistance of volunteers who are given training, adults become more confident and gain skills which help make them more employable or better parents, even if it’s just to read a recipe or to fill out a basic form.
The evening included speeches by MPP Jim McDonell, the agency’s board chair, Carol Potts, and one of the students who spoke of her experience.
Special thanks to sponsors: Cornwall Square, Joey’s Seafood, Mustache Joe’s, Best Western Parkway Inn and Conference Centre, Ramada Inn, Roy’s Florist, Subplace, and Zorba’s Restaurant.
Tri County Literacy is always looking for volunteer. Those interested can call the agency at 613-932-7161.
