red leaf

Volunteering can be a wonderful learning experience and also very rewarding! Here are some more reasons to volunteer:

• Get to know Canadians
• Improve communications skills
• Share your culture

I was arranging a placement with one of our partners in children’s programs and we were discussing the summer camp program for children. He mentioned that there are many fun activities in the program calendar but that they also include an educational component too.

For example, the children in this program visit a local farmer’s market to learn about fresh fruits and vegetables and the importance of healthy eating. He said that the staff is looking forward to having an international volunteer and hope that she will teach the children a little about her home country!

Tip: Be prepared to participate and share your culture!

One of our children’s program volunteers, Elena from Switzerland,  had this to say about her experience  with Red-Leaf in Canada:

“I had a very great time and I would recommend it to everyone who likes kids. I spend four weeks volunteering, where I had a lot of fun with the kids and also with the people working there. Most of them are very outgoing and like to talk with you. I think they’re the best teachers because they correct you very honestly. That’s the best way to learn the language.  At the beginning I assisted the staff doing different things like cooking, sports or arts and crafts. After two weeks I had the great chance to do something in arts and crafts with the kids by myself and it was a great experience for me. I really would  recommend this kind of volunteering, I had a very great time and I enjoyed it so much!”

Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore some of the reasons to volunteer. Here are some to think about:

• Gain job related skills
• Do something you believe in
• Practice English
• Meet new people

Why do you want to volunteer? Blog your stories and comments here and post photos and videos on Facebook.

We’re very excited to provide this forum for our international volunteers, those thinking about volunteering and all the amazing Canadian agencies that open their doors and provide our volunteers an opportunity to contribute.

Over the next while, we hope to share stories, profile some of the projects that the agencies are involved in, provide helpful tips, trends, community info and lots more. Post your comments here!

Canada is a vast & beautiful country with diverse and exciting cities and spectacular natural landscapes. Our country is big and so are the opportunities! Did you know that Canada is the second largest country in the world? If you were to drive from the east to west coast, it would take 7 days. Flying takes 7 hours and covers 6 times zones!

We work with an extensive network of wonderful organizations whose contribution and integration in the community is invaluable. You might help to restore an environmentally significant watershed, play games with children at a summer camp, cuddle a homeless cat at a shelter or share your culture with seniors in a retirement community.

There is something for anyone who is willing to lend a helping hand. The rewards can be huge – and it’s a great way to improve your English! Visit our website  www.red-leaf.com, become a Facebook Fan or download an application form.