Metis Children's Services pleas for volunteers

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Metis Children's Services in Edmonton is recruiting urgently needed volunteers to provide friendship, support and expertise to Metis families.

The statement "we want you" is a plea for help, comments family service worker, John Sinclair. He says the organization is seeking individuals from various walks of life who possess a variety of skills or education.

"The people out there have needs which vary from one person or family to another. That's why we require volunteers with different skills," he explains, adding volunteers will also act as role models to clients.

Applicants must be 18 years or older, willing to donate three or more hours a week on one or two evenings a week, and perhaps some weekend time as well. As volunteers, says Sinclair, would have to be responsible, committed and able to provide their own transportation to travel to and from people's homes.

During a home visit, a volunteer may perform a wide range of deeds: helping children with school homework, taking them to a museum or a movie, participating in recreational activities like sports or board games; or simply being around as a friend.

Among adults, a volunteer can extend support by lending an ear and talking about things on a one-to-one basis. Volunteers can suggest other support systems available, like education programs, and accompany their "clients" to the office where they have to fill out an application.

Volunteers may also give emotional and psychological support, offer guidance in decision-making and problem-solving, as well as help handicapped clients to shop or do general chores.

Although they have set a goal of 50 volunteers by the end of March, the need for additional volunteers will be ongoing. Sinclair wants the public to understand that when you are dealing with that many people, the supply of volunteers can become depleted for many reasons such as illness, job transfers and family priorities.

Though they come and go, their involvement is critical to operating a service which can meet as many needs as possible for Metis families. Our philosophy, Sinclair points out, is "with all of us contributing, we can and will make this city a better place to live for our Metis people."

Prospective volunteers will be interviewed at length to determine their interests and skills so they can be suitable matched with the needy.