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Zacharie: One Year Later

Did you know that, at Du Parc School, a student on the autism spectrum, Zacharie, is part of the breakfast program volunteer crew? Through his involvement, he learns ways to be more self-sufficient, make the most of his potential and experience the satisfaction of a job well done. Here’s his testimonial: Hi, my name […]

In the Club

Meet Linda: The Head Volunteer With A Heart Of Gold… For 13 Years And Counting!

When she agreed to become the head volunteer for her school’s breakfast program 13 years ago, Linda didn’t have the foggiest notion of the long adventure that lay ahead. At the time, she was a member of the school’s governing board, which is why the principal approached her about taking over the reins of the […]

In the Club

Zacharie: One Year Later

In the Club

Meet Linda: The Head Volunteer With A Heart Of Gold… For 13 Years And Counting!

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In the Club

Zacharie: One Year Later

Here’s his testimonial:

Hi, my name is Zacharie.

A little over a year ago, I shared my journey as a child living with an autism spectrum disorder.

Do you remember my story? It started when I became part of a breakfast program. I even became a volunteer because I missed my friends so much.

I’m still at the high school and guess what? The program is still part of my life four years later.

I really enjoy volunteering, so much so that the experience leaves me feeling happy for days.

My mom says that I interact well with children and that I’m a great help.

I realize that the program has taught me to become more self-sufficient, not just at school, but also in my day-to-day life since I gained more confidence in my own abilities.

I can now operate my dad’s shovel loader.

I never thought I’d be able to do that before.

I shovel the house steps… without anyone asking!

These may be small things, but for me, they are great accomplishments!

I almost forgot… I even eat white cheddar cheese, cheese curds and white chicken chunks now.

I can’t wait to get back to the program!

A big thank you to Zacharie and his mother for sharing this beautiful testimony!

In the Club

Meet Linda: The Head Volunteer With A Heart Of Gold… For 13 Years And Counting!

In this capacity, Linda supervises a team of volunteers so that breakfast gets served every morning without fail and the program runs smoothly and efficiently.

“Routine is important. So are organization and proper storage. A place for everything and everything in its place!”

She takes her role as head volunteer very seriously. She sees it as an opportunity to give back to the community and to build relationships with other volunteers.

“We actually do things together outside of the school. It’s such a great team!”

If you ask her to describe what makes a good volunteer, Linda will tell you it’s someone who is kind, caring and sensitive enough to “manage” all the kids that come in hungry in the morning.

As Linda explains so well, there are plenty of reasons why parents sign their children up with their school’s breakfast program:

“Lots of parents have to get to work early. With us, their kids can eat breakfast later, take it easy and hang out with their pals!”

Not only is the program a great help for time-crunched moms and dads, but the 149 students who use the service also get the chance to eat together, make friends and enjoy special moments as a group, like when everyone joins in to sing happy birthday to someone.

When asked to describe some of her experiences, Linda shared this with us:

“Three children from the same family were enrolled in the program. When they first started, they weren’t particularly cooperative. They actually had a reputation for being ‘difficult.’ But as the year went on, they started to mellow and their behaviour improved. I’m sure the relationship we built with them helped and had an impact on other aspects of their life, like how they did at school.”

Linda sometimes bumps into her young charges outside of the breakfast program environment – out shopping for groceries, for example: “When they see us volunteers, some kids run over and give us a big hug – to the great surprise of their parents, who don’t necessarily know who we are!”

And Linda is already starting to have an impact on a second generation of grateful kids.

“A couple of times, I’ve served the children of people who used to come to the breakfast program every morning.”

She notices that the number of registrations goes up as the school year progresses.

“There’s no reason to turn any child down. Everyone is welcome!”

For Linda, seeing happy, smiling and well-fed children every morning is definitely one of the most rewarding parts of the whole experience.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Zacharie: One Year Later

Meet Linda: The Head Volunteer With A Heart Of Gold… For 13 Years And Counting!

Zacharie: One Year Later

Meet Linda: The Head Volunteer With A Heart Of Gold… For 13 Years And Counting!

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Zacharie: One Year Later

Meet Linda: The Head Volunteer With A Heart Of Gold… For 13 Years And Counting!

Thank you, Linda, for making a difference in the lives of so many youngsters for the past 13 years!

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