Company volunteeers roll up their sleeves for Day of Caring

Volunteer work complements giving to United Way York Region, and gives donors a chance to see their dollars at work.

Thestar.com
Oct. 17, 2014
By Leslie Ferenc

They may not be the caped crusaders of the silver screen, but the dream team at J&J are heroes nonetheless, and champions of the less fortunate.

They’ve been doing it for years: donning less-formal work wear and accessorizing their sneakers, jeans and T-shirts with paint brushes and rollers, or spades and brooms.

Recently, the super six decked themselves out for a mini makeover at Vita Community Living Services/Mens Sana: Families for Health in Vaughan. For them, the Day of Caring is an opportunity to do more than make a donation to United Way York Region. It’s a chance to give of themselves and help improve the lives of their neighbours. It’s also an opportunity to meet the people they’re helping.

Their good deeds keep on giving long after they’ve finished their work.

“We’re very lucky that our company supports United Way and gives us the opportunity to give back to our community,” said Hilary Bain, associate manager of communications at J & J, who, along with her colleagues and scores of other volunteers, recently participated in a United Way Day of Caring volunteering at community agencies across York Region.

Lisa Alladina, United Way campaign chair at the firm, looks forward to the opportunito to roll up her sleeves “and focus on our community,” the senior manager of commercial relations and contracts said. “We see first-hand where our donations and pledges go. We also see there is so much more to do.”

In 2013, 77 per cent of J & J staff participated in the United Way employee campaign, raising more than $144,000 to help support 100 programs and 41 health and social service agencies across nine municipalities.

Last year, United Way of York Region embarked on a three-year, $30-million campaign to provide services in every neighbourhood. It’s about one-third of the way to its goal.

At Vita Community Living Services, adults and youth with intellectual disabilities get the benefit of residential and day programs, respite and crisis services, as well as treatment programs for people with a dual diagnosis or severe behavioural difficulties, said Emily Romita, director of programs and compliance.

Mens Sana: Families for Mental Health supports individuals with chronic mental health problems, providing both residential placements and drop-in activities that enhance self-esteem, improve life-skills, offer recreation and improve physical wellbeing. Volunteers, including those that come out for a Day of Caring, provide assistance like painting, building accessible garden boxes for residents, preparing food and landscaping.

“We’re very fortunate,” Romita said of the commitment from volunteers.

The day is also an important exercise for donors to see first-hand how their dollars are spent, said Carmen Clayton, associate director for corporate partnerships at United Way York Region.

“The Day of Caring is about understanding the impact of their donations,” she said as well as a team-building opportunity for employees. At the same time, donors get a chance to see the vastness of the region and growing demand for services.

Reaching out to others “feels great,” said Vilma Parla, medical education manager, as she brushed a lick of paint on wooden mouldings in the hallway and sitting room at Vita, on Simmons St., careful not to get any on the floor or wall. “It’s a wonderful thing to be doing - giving back to the community - and nice to provide help.”

It’s an opportunity to make a difference said Lesley Hallowell, a medical affairs contract specialist. Like her colleagues, she said she’s grateful her employer leads by example. “It’s nice to get out and show support, aside from giving a donation to United Way.”

Field marketing manager Sarah Bureau agreed: “We’re really lucky to work for an organization that promotes and encourages support in the community.”

Knowing she is doing something to improve the lives of others is rewarding for Renee Pare, contracts co-ordinator at J&J. She’s been part of Day of Caring for past five years. “It’s good for the soul,” she said. “It’s a chance to remind yourself there are people who are less fortunate... I leave satisfied, knowing I helped someone.”

To donate to United Way York Region, go to york.unitedway.ca or call 905-474-9974.