LAC LA BICHE – Many community organizations in Lac La Biche are looking for volunteers to join their ranks.
According to Lori Beniuk, the program facilitator for the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Lac La Biche, while the program has several teen volunteers who help in local schools, getting adults to sign on has been challenging.
“We are always looking for adults to volunteer mentor in the schools, but we do not have any currently,” Beniuk said.
Adults wanting to volunteer with the organization must apply through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton office and are required to undergo criminal and child welfare checks.
When asked why is difficult to recruit adult volunteers, Beniuk said she isn’t certain.
“Perhaps that it is during school hours and people work," she stated.
Beniuk recruits and trains teen volunteers in schools in the Lac La Biche area and matches them with elementary students who need a little extra support and someone to look up to in their lives. Currently, there are 24 matches between JA Williams (JAWS) High School, École Plamondon, Aurora Middle School, and Vera M. Welsh Elementary School.
The school-based program runs from September to May, and the application process is done through her. Beniuk said she is always looking for more volunteers and will be recruiting again in September in the high schools.
“These teens spend one hour a week in the school with their match, with my supervision and assistance,” she explained. They are responsible to attend weekly sessions and serve as a positive role model to their mentee.
“They do various activities such as crafts, board games, schoolwork, and sports activities outside and in the gym.”
Through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, Beniuk has a volunteer advisory committee that she works closely with. The board, she said, has monthly meetings where members are updated on what she has been doing in her program and members assist with fundraising initiatives such as working casinos and the annual BBBS Bowl for Kids’ Sake event.
Extra hands at the library
For those who are interested in helping at their local library, Lac La Biche County Libraries offers many volunteer opportunities. Maya Fisher, library director for Lac La Biche County Libraries, explained that volunteers can do various things ranging from helping with day-to-day library duties such as shelving and weeding books, to assisting with programs.
“Some volunteers come weekly, some volunteer seasonally, and others join us for larger events,” Fisher said.
Right now, the library system has six consistent volunteers. In addition to these helpers, all the board members of Lac La Biche County Libraries also volunteer.
“We are always open to having more volunteers in the library,” she said.
The process of becoming a volunteer with Lac La Biche County Libraries involves filling out an application. Once this is done, prospective volunteers go through an interview, which Fisher said is mostly just to gauge their interests and see what area they like to work in as a volunteer.
Most volunteers will need a criminal records check.
Once all of this is complete, applicants receive some training and then they can get started.
As for the benefits of helping out with books and programs, Fisher said the library is a safe space for anyone and everyone.
“It can be rewarding for people to help with the many projects we have going on at the library, and to have the opportunity to learn more about what we offer,” she said.
National Volunteer Week ran from April 27 to May 3.
