The newest contingent of Katimavik youth arrived in town last week, fresh off of three months of volunteer work in Gatineau, Quebec. They arrived in Vanderhoof on March 28th and will be here for three months contributing their helping hands and enthusiasm to the community.
Kimberly Lipscombe, who is currently leading the Katimavik youth in Vanderhoof, is looking forward to a positive experience for the volunteers this rotation. “There are some pretty exciting opportunities ahead of them. This group has experienced city life in Quebec and they are excited to now be in a small town where they can really make a difference.”
While in town, the youth will be lending their time and effort volunteering with several local non-for-profit organizations, including: Nechako Strong Start, McLeod Dickson Elementary, Nechako Valley Secondary School (Music Department), Stuart Nechako Manor, Evelyn Dickson Elementary, Neighbourhood Space, Mobile Work Crew and Riverside Place.
Another upcoming opportunity for the youth is the twelve day billeting period – allowing them to get a better sense of the culture and the local life of the community. For some volunteers, this is also an excellent opportunity to benefit from a full-fledged linguistic immersion. The experience is certain to be filled with discoveries for both the families and the volunteers. If you are interested in hosting a Katimavik volunteer from April 29 to May 11, please contact Kimberly Lipscombe at 1-866-941-6589 ext 2220. Each family that hosts a Katimavik volunteer receives a stipend to offset costs.
Katimavik promotes civic engagement and fosters sustainable communities through challenging national youth service programs. Since 1977, Katimavik has enabled more than 30,000 Canadians to be involved in more than 2,000 communities throughout Canada. Volunteers between the ages of 17 and 21 live with 10 other youth from across the country in one or two communities. They commit to volunteering in the context of a six-month program where they will provide work 28 to 35 hours a week for a variety of not-for-profit organizations. Youth also benefit from Katimavik’s structured learning program that focuses on the development of lifelong personal, professional and social competencies in the areas of civic engagement, healthy lifestyle, cultural discovery, official languages, communication, environmental stewardship and project coordination.
For further information on Katimavik please visit www.katimavik.org or visit our blog at www.gokatimavik.com