Commentary, Opinion

Monthly Message: Volunteers are CONTACT’s superpower

February 13, 2026   ·   0 Comments

For close to 50 years, CONTACT Community Services has been a beacon of stability in the communities of South Simcoe by providing full, wraparound services to our most vulnerable friends and neighbours. From our Housing Supports team to our award-winning Employment Services staff, our Clothes Line community thrift stores, and our free Seniors Programs, CONTACT has been the go-to organization in South Simcoe to help families and individuals when they need it most. 

In 2024, CONTACT, with the support of the County of Simcoe, opened our first 24/7 seniors’ Supportive Rapid Rehousing Program, providing homeless seniors with a warm place to land and the tools they need to find a place to call home.

At the core of CONTACT Community Services is a dedicated group of volunteers whose compassion, commitment, and quiet strength make a meaningful difference in countless lives. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of CONTACT, offering support, understanding, and hope to community members during moments of vulnerability, uncertainty, and crisis.

CONTACT Community Services exists to ensure that no one has to face life’s challenges alone. CONTACT’s volunteer team may work directly with local families and individuals at our Clothes Line thrift stores, provide vital support at our free seniors’ programming, be an ambassador at numerous events and local fairs, or assist in the background, providing much-needed admin support. They may be board members, helping to guide and support our organization. Our volunteers represent more than a service — they represent human connection at a time when it is needed most.

CONTACT volunteers come from many walks of life. They are students working to obtain much-needed volunteer hours, local retirees, professionals, parents, and community members who share a common desire: to help people in need and bring our community together. This diversity strengthens CONTACT, allowing volunteers to provide compassionate support through a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.

Despite their differences, volunteers are united by a sense of purpose. Every interaction is guided by the belief that every individual deserves to be heard without judgment.

Through the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, CONTACT has had the opportunity to provide valuable free training for our volunteers.  

CONTACT understands that supporting others can be emotionally demanding, and we prioritize volunteer well‑being through ongoing support and continued education. We have been fortunate to offer valuable learning opportunities with local community partners, including Uplift Black, The Gilbert Centre, and Parents Against Racism, as well as important self-care programs and first-aid training.  These sessions have given our volunteers the opportunity to learn, to grow and to provide an even more compassionate approach to helping people in need in our communities.

The impact of CONTACT volunteers is profound. A calm voice during a moment of crisis, a compassionate listener for a senior experiencing isolation, or a timely referral to essential services can change the course of a person’s life. For many families and individuals reaching out for support, volunteers can make a remarkable difference in their day.  Our volunteers help to build a more connected, resilient, and caring community.

While volunteers give generously of their time and energy, many describe the experience as deeply rewarding. Volunteering with CONTACT often leads to personal growth, lifelong friendships, and a valuable sense of purpose.

For some, volunteering becomes a calling; for others, it is a meaningful way to give back. CONTACT has been honoured to have volunteers who have served as long as 35 years!  This year, we are thrilled to celebrate three people from our volunteer family who are celebrating 20 years with our organization! Regardless of how long they serve, every volunteer leaves a lasting imprint on the organization and the lives they touch.

CONTACT Community Services recognizes that its success would not be possible without its volunteers. Their dedication — often given quietly and behind the scenes — deserves recognition and gratitude. Every hour volunteered represents a commitment to compassion and community care.

As CONTACT continues to evolve and respond to growing community needs, volunteers remain our strongest asset. Their willingness to show up, listen, and care ensures that, as a team, we can continue to provide enthusiastic and empathetic support to families, individuals, youth, and seniors in need in our communities.

If you are looking to give back to your community, make some new friends and make use of your valuable skills, we would love to speak with you. Whether you are interested in donating a few hours a week at one of our Clothes Line stores, jumping into our fun and creative seniors’ programs or sharing your much sought-after administrative skills, we have a great place in our organization for you.

To learn more about volunteering at CONTACT Community Services, visit our website at https://www.contactcommunityservices.ca/volunteer/volunteer-with-contact/ or call our Volunteer Coordinator, Linda, at 705-435-4900.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Readers Comments (0)