A volunteer gives, but also receives a lot in many aspects: gratification, experience, a feeling of accomplishment, self-confidence and more. Come get these benefits by becoming a volunteer for the West Island Assistance Fund (WIAF).
Volunteering is a rewarding activity in two ways. If it requires that one gives (one’s time, talent, efforts or simply one’s presence), it permits, on the other hand, to obtain gratification, to grow and to do a lot of good.
Firstly, it brings a lot of pleasures, because it takes us out of our routine and permits us to escape constraints linked to work and school. To a point where many people see volunteering as a hobby.
Break the Isolation
It’s also an opportunity to meet interesting people who share our interests and values, and have the same cause at heart. This way we expand our network and polish our social aptitudes. Besides, since social isolation constitutes the main factor of depression, volunteering distances you from it, because it permits you to be in constant contact with other people. It even helps to establish a solid support network that can protect us when we suffer hardship or go through hard times.
In addition, research has proven that the more people are active volunteers, the happier they are. On the professional plan, volunteering helps propel careers, for example with the experience and network connections it gives. For young people, it helps develop fundamental competencies like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project planning, task management and organization.
We Need You
The WIAF is recruiting volunteers to answer the constant never-ending rise of beneficiaries and needs. Our food aid service as much as our thrift store necessitate resources.
Food Bank (23 Centre Commercial, Roxboro-Montréal, H8Y 3K6):
- Helps to distribute food to the users;
- Take the food out of its containers, then dispose of them in the food bank;
- Ensure that the beneficiaries live a pleasant experience by creating meaningful links with them.
Friperie (21 Centre Commercial, Roxboro-Montréal, H8Y 3K6):
- Help customers with their purchases;
- Place the items in the store;
- Make the thrift store welcoming and organized.
Click here to apply to become a volunteer.
Some Powerful Testimonies
In a few words, volunteers will describe to you everything that their collaboration with the WIAF has brought them.
Elias, 55 years old
What has been your most positive experience/story while volunteering at WIAF?
Receiving people’s thanks and gratitude for the good work we do to help them.
What is something about volunteering at WIAF that you would recommend to a family member/friend?
You will meet some great and hard-working people that make you happy to be with.
How has volunteering at WIAF impacted your life?
It makes me realize that it’s good to do your part in helping out your community and those less fortunate and not always think of just myself.
Irene, volunteer for the thrift store
What is one thing you love most about WIAF?
WIAF represents helping those in need while treating them with respect and dignity.
How has WIAF impacted your life?
Being a volunteer has been a life saver for me during the epidemic. I love interacting with the customers. I feel fulfilled and grateful that I can help others.
Laziz, 71 years old
What was your most positive experience while working as a volunteer for the WIAF?
I’ve been volunteering there since 2012 and I’ve learned many things there, like organization and the importance of what we do and for who we do it for. Be satisfied with your actions without expecting anything in return. Just personal happiness.
Which aspect of volunteering at the WIAF would you recommend to a family member or a friend?
In every form of volunteering, the essential is to love what you do. It keeps you busy and offers a personal satisfaction to want to help others.
What impact did volunteering for the WIAF have on your life?
It occupies precious time and has given a lot of importance to my life. I’m happy to serve people in need. I could say that I’m a direct link between society and the population. What’d be the point in living if we were just there not doing anything while people needed our help?
Louise, volunteer at the thrift store
What was your most positive experience while working as a volunteer for the WIAF?
I have positive experiences every time I’m at the WIAF. Firstly, because I help an organization, that itself, helps people that are the most in need in my sector. Also, because I get to meet people from different communities and talk to them.
Which aspect of volunteering at the WIAF would you recommend to a family member or a friend?
The feeling of being useful.
What impact did volunteering for the WIAF have on your life?
It allows me to maintain a certain positivity since I’ve been retired and to meet a lot of people.
Natalie, Coordinator at the Garden of Hope
How did volunteering for the FDOI change you?
Volunteering is happiness! Happiness to give back to our community, to meet people with a touching and inspiring path, and to learn about yourself. Volunteering for the WIAF is gratifying and very enriching.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering for the FDOI?
I like to meet people from my community there, talk with them and know that I make a little difference. Also, volunteers at the WIAF are very hardworking and devoted to this cause that is important to all of us.
How long have you been volunteering?
I’ve been a volunteer at the foodbank since October 2020. So, I’ve been very happy there since then.
Raymond, 85 years old
What was your most positive experience while working as a volunteer for the WIAF?
Being in contact with other people.
Which aspect of volunteering at the WIAF would you recommend to a family member or a friend?
Helping people who really need help.
What impact did volunteering for the WIAF have on your life?
It allows me to get out of my house and get a new life experience.
Thomas, 54 years old
What has been your most positive experience/story while volunteering at WIAF?
Volunteering at the WIAF makes me feel appreciated.
What is something about volunteering at WIAF that you would recommend to a family member/friend?
Volunteering at the WIAF is a way of helping others.
How has volunteering at WIAF impacted your life?
Volunteering at the WIAF gives me purpose and helps me feel useful.
-François Perreault
Sources
https://www.rabq.ca/pourquoi-faire-du-benevolat.php
https://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/INTRA_FR/MEDIA/DOCUMENTS/CAPSULE_BENEVOLAT.PDF
https://benevoles-expertise.com/5-bonnes-raisons-de-faire-du-benevolat-de-competences/
https://www.volunteerottawa.ca/Avantages_du_benevolat.html
