April 24th – 30th is National Volunteer Week in Canada. This year’s theme is “Volunteering is Empathy in Action, Volunteers Bring Heart to Canada’s Communities.”
“Empathy is a quality that can help people relate to others and build awareness around different experiences. It connects people in ideas and actions and helps create bonds forged in common goals and aspirations.”
– Volunteer Canada
Empathy, curiosity and care are essential characteristics for ONE TO ONE volunteer tutors, building connections with young readers in our communities and encouraging the joy of reading. Our incredible volunteers bring heart to their reading sessions each week, whether by finding the just-right book for their students, introducing fun activities and games for their development, or simply having thoughtful conversations. We’re delighted to celebrate our volunteers this April and all year round!
In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, we are hosting our annual Volunteer Appreciation event on Wednesday, April 27. We’re thrilled to welcome Ashley Spires as our special guest speaker this year! Ashley is the author and illustrator of numerous award-winning children’s books. She has created many beloved characters, including Small Saul, 2016’s TD Grade One Book Giveaway, Esther the fairy scientist, Burt The Beetle and Binky The Space Cat, who is now featured on his own animated television series. Ashley’s bestselling book The Most Magnificent Thing, has been translated into nineteen languages worldwide and was recently adapted into a short animated film. She studied at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver, BC and Sheridan College in Oakville, ON. During the rare moments when she is not creating, she enjoys fostering kittens and supporting animal welfare in her community of Delta, British Columbia.
Thank you, as always, to The Secret Garden Tea Company for their generosity sponsoring the event with a treat for our volunteers!