April 19-23 is National Volunteer Week!
The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by others AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose.
We have been fortunate to partner with Western University, Friends of MSF/Doctors Without Borders: a student organization that works to raise awareness and funds for the international medical aid organization MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders). MSF sends medics, logisticians, and specialists to help those experiencing wars, epidemics, and other emergencies, currently working in 60 countries.
Zoe McManus, Director of Volunteer Events, tells us that Friends of MSF members got involved with local volunteering after acknowledging that making the world a better place should start at home:
“As like-minded students interested in community involvement, local volunteering was a natural next step. We were inspired to get involved with PHSS after learning about the marginalization and social isolation that people with complex needs experience. In response, we wanted to support PHSS in creating inclusive spaces that bring together people with diverse needs.”
Every other Sunday the group met through Zoom to engage people in a virtual game of Family Feud or Jeopardy. Boy did it get competitive, but everyone had fun! It is great to have the technology to bring people together for some meaningful exchange during the pandemic.
The group has also helped assist with an exciting project entitled “Love the World, Experience the World.” The goal of the project being to bring technology partners together to develop ways that the people at PHSS can experience the word virtually. People participating in this project want to have various adventures: visiting Disney World, skydiving, and swimming with sharks, to name a few! The volunteer group is putting together YouTube playlists so that people can experience the world!
We truly appreciate and our thankful to our volunteers from MSF for their commitment and dedication to helping improve the lives of the people we support at PHSS. They are making a difference in our community.
Interested in volunteering with us?
Check out our Volunteering page!
If you’re ready, contact Dave Wighton, Community Development Coordinator at davidw@phsscommunity.com!
