Volunteer Engagement and
Community Response
The third pillar of our Vision Statement “every community a
strong supporter” underlies the core value of the importance
of volunteer and community involvement in ABC Head Start.
Volunteers carry the story of our agency, families and children
to the larger community. They are the link that brings the
community into our program in a unique and meaningful way.
ABC Head Start recognizes that community volunteers are an
essential component of the work of the agency and that they
bring a richness and diversity that would not be there without
their involvement. Classroom volunteers, board members,
fund raisers and office assistants are just a few areas in which
volunteers make their mark.
ABC Head Start embraces the integral importance of
volunteer inclusion at every level. Management and the Board
of Directors considers this importance in both planning and
budgeting.
Throughout the 2013-2014 program year the total number of
hours accumulated by volunteers was 5448.
“This program was a great opportunity to share what I
know and learn in a very pleasant environment”
“I feel this is such a good experience for the children
and volunteers, everyone benefits”
“I thought ABC Head Start was a wonderful program
with an excellent staff. It does an amazing job of
helping a demographic in need at such an important
stage. Way to go!”
“It was fun and worthwhile experience to work with
children and contribute to a program that is doing so
much for the community.”
Thank you to each and every one of you!
Staying the Course
Winter gets chilly in Edmonton!
In December 2014, we will be starting a Christmas Giving
Campaign to provide needed winter supplies, winter games
and fun activities for those extra cold winter days, to children
and their families.
In March 2015, we will be the Launch Pad’s Charity of Choice!
Please visit their website to find out how you can be involved
in helping to support ABC Head Start.
Look for us in the community! We will be participating in
several community fairs, participating in our city’s annual
Homeless Connect and you will also see us at several Job
Fairs!
We look forward to hosting Tapestry, our 2nd annual ABC
Head Start primary fundraiser on May 22, 2015 at the Alberta
Aviation Museum. Tickets will be available in spring 2015, on
our website.
Classroom volunteers donated a total of 3700 hours.
We will be actively seeking new 3rd Party Fundraisers! Visit
our website to learn how you and your workplace can be a
part of our sustainable funding for the future!
Non-classroom volunteers contributed 1748 hours, including
hours in fundraising activities.
At a rate of $15 per hour the monetary value of these volunteer hours would be well over $81,720.
The majority of new classroom volunteers continue to be
post-secondary students looking for opportunities to expand
their learning and experiences. However, we also enjoy the
dedication of many long term volunteers. It is apparent from
comments made by volunteers throughout the year and on
their yearly evaluations that the real joy and reward is from the
work itself.
Help us open doors for many years to come! In June 2015,
ABC Head Start will be hosting our 30th Anniversary
Celebration! Our Founder, Aleda Paterson started ABC Head
Start with 10 children in 1985 and we have grown
exponentially because of her vision. Help us celebrate
excellence in early child learning!
“An amazing experience”
“Since my first day at the site the teacher guided me to
a greater understanding of the goals and purposes of
the activitie