North Simcoe Victim Services is seeking a new wave of volunteers to support those dealing with tragedy.
An information night for prospective recruits will be held March 1 in the Tournament Room at Rotary Place in Orillia at 7 p.m.
Volunteer services co-ordinator Sherry Telford says the event gives those who are interested information about what the volunteer position entails. An experienced volunteer will speak at the event along with Orillia OPP Const. Brett Boniface.
Those who would like to proceed with the non-profit organization following the information night will be trained in the field.
“The training is very intense,” Telford acknowledged. “The training is two nights a week for eight weeks.”
Without volunteers, she says, victims and families might go without support during their most vulnerable times.
“We give the support and resources that people need on the worst day of their lives,” she said.
While the volunteer complement took a “substantial hit” during the pandemic, Telford says numbers are slowly rising, but more help is needed.
“We want to be able to help everybody who is affected by a tragic circumstance,” she said. “We need six people to be available per day.”
She says the volunteer position isn’t for everyone. It takes non-judgmental and empathetic people to do the job.
“Sometimes you are working with a child. Sometimes you are dealing with a victim of sexual assault,” she said. “When you respond to a call, you know you are going to be dealing with a traumatic situation.”
While the volunteer position can be difficult, it is also “super-rewarding,” she said.
“Even if you are only able to help one person, it makes all the difference in the world.”
Those planning to attend the information night are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected].
