Made a promise and now you want to get out there and provide service? There are so many opportunities in our communities to provide service!
Find a need you can fill by considering the age range, interest and skill level of those in the unit.
Founded in 1967, PITCH-IN CANADA involves millions of volunteers in various action programs during Operation Clean Sweep, from initiating recycling and composting programs to cleaning up and beautifying streams, wilderness and urban areas each spring. PITCH-IN week is in April each year. Participating is easy and free! All registered Guiding groups receive complimentary PITCH-IN WEEK garbage and clear recycling bags to help with clean-up and beautification of their community along with a free campaign crest. If you have questions, contact Jessica at pitch-in@pitch-in.ca.
Trout Unlimited Canada's Yellow Fish Road Program is a nationwide environmental education initiative. Since 1991, thousands of Canadians have learned about water pollution and the impact it has on the health of the local waterbody. For many years GGC members have participated in this environmental action project.
Download the Program Guide.
Learn more about the Yellow Fish Road program in Ontario. To contact Trout Unlimited, e-mail lrobb@tucanada.org or call 1-800-909-6040.
The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is a grassroots direct action conservation program that aims to promote understanding and education about shoreline litter issues by engaging Canadians to rehabilitate shoreline areas through cleanups. The program influences Canadians to act, becoming better environmental citizens.
Looking for volunteers to adopt a stream (especially in York-Simcoe where additional funding has been received). If you or your unit is looking for a long-term commitment for an environmental service project, this may be for you! For more information, contact Larissa Schiffmann, Adopt-A-Stream Program Coordinator, Project Biologist at 416-995-3489 or by email at larissa.schiffmann@ontariostreams.on.ca.
Women Warriors' Healing Garden is a place for women combat veterans. Most of the women have operational stress injuries or physical injuries from service in Peacekeeping missions, Desert Storm and Afghanistan. They are looking for help with the weeding, scarecrow making, harvesting and maintenance of their garden. If you are interested in helping, please contact Erin Kinsey, Gulf War Vet at erin_kinsey@yahoo.com,
Visit their Facebook page.
Days for Girls Canada
Location: Ottawa and surrounding area
Suitable for: Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers
Cost: TBD – a donation of materials (such as girls cotton brief underwear in bright colours, wash cloths in dark colours, travel sized soaps, Large size ZIPLOC Brand freezer bags) or cash is requested. Please confirm when booking this opportunity.
Girls earn service hours. At the Guide level this can count towards the Lady BP award. At the Pathfinder and Ranger levels this can count as service hours at the global level. For more information, please visit the website. To book your visit contact Mary Johnston at nepeanontario@daysforgirls.org or Hope Ring at hering@zone4solutions.com.
Try These!
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Senior Care:
- donate bird feeders to a Senior's residence or long-term care facility
- grow plants or planters for their rooms or facility
- perform a skit or play
- lead a sing-a-long
- come out for a "game night"
- make a tray decoration
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Community Garden:
- donate seeds to a project already in existence
- start seedlings in late winter to provide to gardens in the spring
- help out with planting a garden
- help tend a garden
- plant a Pink Tulip garden
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Support a Food Bank by:
- organizing a food drive; fill cookie boxes, or even a canoe!
- organize an event and charge admission in the form of a non-perishable food item
- sort food at a local food bank
- create "birthday" or other theme food boxes
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Recycle:
- help out with a recycling project - up-cycle with TerraCycle
- join a community-based light-bulb exchange
- help at a municipality "recycling day"
- hold your own fashion show by re-purposing old clothing items into something new!
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Child Care Facility:
- create and donate craft kits
- host a toy drive
- collect children's books
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Shelter:
- host a clothing drive and include "business appropriate" clothing;
- create toiletry kits
- do a "bare necessities" drive (socks, underclothes, mitts and hats)
- help with a shelter's maintenance project
- make jewelry to donate
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Share learning:
- pack a knapsack of school supplies
- spend time reading with younger children
- fill a bag of books
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Help out at a community event:
- offer babysitting services where there is an event adults will attend
- hand out water at a run
- offer coat-check services at an event
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Build something:
- pair up with Habitat for Humanity and help with a build (note:age restrictions apply)
- help with a playground build
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Help Our Animal Friends:
- make bat or duck nesting boxes for camp
- make blankets for an animal shelter
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Welcome Newcomers:
- join up with an agency supporting new immigrants or ESL club and host a "fun" night with games or food
- Spread comfort by:
- becoming a "blanketeer" and donate a homemade blanket/quilt
- joining a teddy bear drive or hosting one
- making handmade plush toys to donate
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Teen Pregnancy Centre:
- offer child care at seminars for new moms
- create "welcome baby" kits
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