Volunteer Agency of the Month
March 2007 Edition
This is an interview with Bev from Bissell Centre, interviewed by Wing Yu (VP External).
Hi Bev, thank you for participate our interview. There are some questions I would like to ask.
Wing: What is Bissell Centre? Is Bissell Centre a volunteer-based orgnaization?
Bev: Bissell Centre is a non-profit organization which provides community supports to people living in poverty in Edmonton. Bissell Centre has a voluntary board, and it is operated by staff and volunteers.
Wing: How long has this organization been established?
Bev: It has existed over 90 years.
Wing: Are you looking for volunteers at the present time?
Bev: Bissell Centre is always recruiting volunteers for special projects/events and for ongoing programs.
Wing: When do you need these volunteers? What kinds of opportunities are there for volunteers? Are there future job opportunities within Bissell Centre?
Bev: Volunteers are needed for the annual Dinner and Auction,
Bissellebration 2007, held April 26, 5-11 pm at Palace Banquets (SE
Edmonton). Ongoing volunteer opportunities are available in many of
the program areas: Early Childhood Centre, Food Room, Front Reception,
Drop In Centre (for homeless or near homeless people) and the Thrift
Shoppes. These are daytime opportunities Monday to Friday. There also
are opportunities for groups to sponsor a meal in the Drop In Centre or
a snack at the Wednesday Movie Nights. This summer Bissell Centre also needs Summer Recreation Volunteers and
workers (ads attached).
Several volunteers have become Relief Workers. Many of them have an
educational background in the Human Service areas (social work,
psychology, sociology, human ecology etc).
Wing: What kind of a time commitment should volunteers expect? What type of training is involved?
Bev: Students who volunteer in ongoing programs are asked to commit approximately 2-3 hours per week. On the job training is provided by the supervisors in each area.
Wing: When does training begin/finish? Are there many students that volunteer here?
Bev: Training is provided as soon as the volunteer begins their position. Bissell Centre has several students volunteering in ongoing programs and events.
Wing: Who do you contact to become a volunteer? Can you apply online? When are the best times to reach you? What is the application deadline for the program(s)/training? What qualifications/identification (ex) security Checks do you need to be a volunteer? How many references do you require for the interview?
Bev: To volunteer contact: Bev Zubot, Manager of Volunteer Services, 423-2285 ext 134; bzubot@bissellcentre.org. All volunteers must complete an application, interview and security checks (police check, plus Child Welfare check if volunteering with children)as well as provide two references. Bev may be reached in person from 9 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Attached Ads:
Promotional Brochure - text onlySummer Rec Volunteer - newsletter ad
Summer Recreation Coordinator & Researcher 2007