Newsroom

Holland Bloorview’s assisted volunteer program successfully piloted

Holland Bloorview has developed an assisted volunteer program, which offers those who would not be able to volunteer independently, the opportunity to volunteer with the assistance of a coach. 

Coaches are some of Holland Bloorview’s very best volunteers who have completed training on how to coach people with disabilities in a volunteer setting. Successful assisted volunteer program candidates are placed with their coach for six-months at Holland Bloorview.  Following this placement, the coach and volunteer pair may be placed at a partnering organization for another six months.  Currently, Holland Bloorview has partnered with two organizations - CTV/TSN and the Community Association for Riding for the Disabled (CARD).

The program has completed a successful pilot phase and is now recruiting for the fall season.  “We’ve begun presenting this unique and innovative inclusive volunteering program model at the Toronto Association of Volunteer Administrators (TAVA) Annual Workshop and in June in Vancouver at the Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources (CAVR) Conference,” says Jennifer Hiett, volunteer resource coordinator. “Focusing on participation and creating an inclusive volunteering environment is a key priority at Holland Bloorview and we hope to see this program piloted at other organizations across Canada.”

Ryan’s experience:
Ryan, a former client of Holland Bloorview, was keen to volunteer, but before the assisted volunteer program was not able to do so independently.  Natalie Timbrell, Life Skills Facilitator indentified Ryan as a possible candidate for the program.  Once selected, Ryan was matched with volunteer coach, Shirley Campbell.

Ryan volunteered at Holland Bloorview one day a week for six months in the Complex Continuing Care classroom in the Bloorview School under the supervision of teacher, Renee Hiltz.  Following this experience, he was placed at TSN to volunteer with his coach for another six months. While at TSN, Ryan had the opportunity to work with Kashif Arshad, manager, news and information, and Neil Salinas, Ryan’s staff supervisor at TSN.

Kashif was enthusiastic about the experience and was eager to provide Ryan with the opportunity to learn about TV Sports and TSN.  “TSN believes in diversity and inclusion, and for us, there’s really no down side to supporting the assisted volunteer program,” says Kashif.  “Ryan brought not only another point of view to the team, but also his extensive knowledge of sports.”

Ryan thoroughly enjoyed his volunteering experience and has gained many new skills.  “I’ve learned so much from my coach and staff supervisors, and am grateful for this unique experience,” says Ryan. 

 

Select Text Size

• Adjust text size: Small Aa
• Adjust text size: Medium Aa
• Adjust text size: Large Aa