On a personal note:

I happened to drop into BVO today, and like most days I have had the pleasure to attend, there was my friend Mary Johnston charming the crowd as usual.

I was chatting with three gentleman from Mexico and with my extensive knowledge of spanish (dous corona por favor), you could well imagine the height of conversation we reached.

Then the voice of Mary was heard announcing BVO had a box of clothes that we’re free for the taking.  After enthusiastically reassuring/convincing my friends that they we’re gratis … it was a special moment to see and feel there genuine happiness. I felt like a lucky man, to say the least.

Thanks Mary and friends for all the wonderful moments you have provided.

Warmest Regards,

John Malloy

There would be no BVO without our volunteers. They are the life force of BVO! We have over 150 volunteers who give their time to sit on our Board of Directors, to sort clothing and organize the Treasure Shop, to visit neighbours who can’t get out, to drive someone to an appointment that doesn’t have other transportation, AND to cook and serve breakfast to the students at Beaver Valley Community School. Special events are successful because our volunteers offer their time at the annual auction, at the Thanksgiving Community Dinner, at Eastereggstravaganza AND at Christmas time when we are getting the hampers ready and receiving the wonderful donations of food from the food drive.

On behalf of our volunteer Board of Directors and our Staff, I wish to thank you all existing and new volunteers for your interest in and dedication to our organization and in our community. I am pleased to have you on our “team”. By accepting BVO’s standard requirements for volunteers, you have demonstrated your willingness to become part of the Beaver Valley Outreach family. We are proud of our reputation of “making good things happen in our community.” At BVO we make every effort to create an atmosphere of caring and concern for all members of our community.

We believe that the success and growth of our organization is largely dependent upon the wisdom, talents, skills, dedication and direction provided by our volunteers. You are a vital member of our team and a Very Important Person!

We trust that you receive a sense of real accomplishment and well being by making an appreciated and valuable contribution to BVO and the community at large. “Volunteers Grow Community” is the theme for Volunteer Canada.

Thank you for your willingness to partner with us, because together we can really make a difference.

Carolyn Letourneau
Executive Director

Code of Ethics

All BVO volunteers are expected to meet and follow the following standards of conduct:

• I shall fulfill my obligations and responsibilities with integrity.
• I shall protect the privacy of those who use the services of BVO and hold in confidence all acquired information concerning clients, staff, board members, donors and volunteers.
• I shall serve clients in a friendly, respectful, conscientious and efficient manner.
• I shall treat other BVO volunteers, staff and board members with respect and work co-operatively with them.
• I shall treat Beaver Valley Outreach, its services and programs with dignity and respect and conduct myself in a manner conducive to the well-being of the organization.

Oath of Confidentiality

All BVO volunteers are expected to take an oath of confidentiality.

• I will not engage in discussion of situations or cases within or outside of BVO except on a need to know basis as is required for the appropriate conduct of Beaver Valley Outreach.
• I undertake, as part of the condition of my volunteer placement, to keep in strict confidence any information concerning participants of BVO programs and services or any persons who donate to BVO.

Our Volunteers

Wanda Winters, BVO Volunteer of the Year – 2006
Known to many of us at BVO as Wonderful Wanda, she was one of the original community activists who recognized a need for Beaver Valley Outreach. Back in the early 1980s Wanda was a Kindergarten teacher and she frequently visited the basement of Muriel Shaw – first home of the BVO Clothing Depot, to collect hats, mitts, shoes and boots for school children who needed those things to keep away the winter chill. When the idea of providing Christmas hampers to families in our community who could benefit from a helping hand was first crystallized, Wanda helped to identify those families. Additionally, she brought to the attention of many families the opportunities for subsidized summer camp programs for children. Over the years, Wanda has had a variety of involvement with BVO. She helped to kick start Breakfast Club. She offered her teaching expertise to the School’s Cool program [now known as BVOs Hip & Cool Start School]. Her love of crafts has helped in the Treasure Shop where she matches toys with books for our Book Buddy Kits. She is BVO’s official archivist. She has been involved for a number of years in the Christmas Hamper preparations and in 2006 she coordinated this event as well as the Firefighters Food Drive! Wanda has been a Board member of BVO since 2000 and recently stepped down from the Board. She continues in her archival duties and still volunteers in the Treasure Shop and as a member of our Volunteer Committee. There is no doubt that Wanda is at the very heart beat of BVO and her efforts to make our organization an asset in our community are not over yet! Congratulations Wanda, we will always call you “wonderful”!

Peter Brown,
For quite a few years Peter has been a real handyman at BVO answering our needs on a prompt basis! A few years ago we received some shelving, which we desperately needed for storage in the Treasure Shop and again it was Peter to the rescue! The shelving was cleaned and painted by Peter and friends. Peter even donated the paint. His current claim to fame at BVO is Man-With-Truck-Goes-To-Dump! AND how we appreciate that effort is beyond words. Thank you Peter [and frequently other Brown family members] for your efforts to make BVO a cleaner and tidier place of business.

Frances, Alison and Ada Three Wise Women,
As you may or may not know, BVO receives a multitude of donated items for our Treasure Shop from our very generous community. All items need to be examined. Frequently they require cleaning, and then each item needs to be priced for resale. Frances, Ada and Alison work furiously each Monday while the Treasure Shop is closed to examine and prepare items for sale. Ada is the display guru of the three amigos, while Frances and Alison decide if the item can be sold at BVO [there are several items we cannot legally sell] and price the goods. These women are the behind the scene volunteers who play a very important role in making the Treasure Shop a success for BVO! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Marlene Yen, Chair, Board of Directors
BVO Volunteer of 2005! BVO Volunteer of the Year is here, there and everywhere, always available, and always managing to be where she is needed. Currently President of BVOs Board of Directors, Marlene Yen has been volunteering at BVO for six years. Sense of humour always in evidence, eyes sparkling, full of energy for what’s next, Marlene is warm, gentle and generous beyond the call! She has been tenacious in seeking out possible grants for the work of BVO, and tireless in going through all the hoops required in applying for these grants. Anyone who has a passion to offer as much assistance to children as possible when it comes to furthering their education, including finding ways to engage children in homework activities has to have a heart felt passion for learning! She truly abides by the saying – We must all work to make the world worthy of children. As a former school administrator, she brings invaluable experience to her work with the Board of Directors. Her management skills ensure that meetings are well directed, the agenda are followed and treats are always tasty! She ensures all topics are discussed in a clear, methodical, relaxed manner. Her listening skills at meetings and in the daily life at BVO enable her to respond to issues and events in a constructive way, and her problem-solving ability enables her to follow a task to completion. Dedicating time and energy to any task is par for the course for Marlene. Two of BVOs programs: Hip and Cool Start School and the Blue Mountains Homework Club, as well as her commitment to assisting with on-going needs of our home on Bruce St. are testimony to her dedication to BVOs mission. In past years, our annual volunteer picnic was held at the Yen Farm in Heathcote, where Marlene was “hostess extraordinaire”. Nothing is too much for this dynamo who may be short in stature, but long in character and desire to be of service. We are so fortunate to have this generous, giving woman “on Board” at BVO.
Phone:519-599-2577 ext 23

Barbara Swanson, Transporation and Breakfast Club Volunteer Coordinator
[March 2005] Barb and Dave Swanson were married in 1967, the same year Barb moved to Thornbury. In 1981, Barb and Norine Baron got together to begin the process of incorporating Beaver Valley Outreach. They began to draft by-laws and discuss policies and procedures. Barb sat on the Board of BVO from the mid 1980s until 2002. She took over the organization of BVO drivers in about 1984 from Hazel South. At that time, BVO was only servicing the needs of local citizens who needed a ride to the doctor, the dentist, the lawyer, the grocery store or other general appointments. In 1994, Home and Community Support Services asked BVO to address the transportation needs of seniors and persons over the age of 18 with a disability. Barb became the coordinator for all these required drives. Currently, she coordinates schedules for 22 drivers. Home and Community Support Services in Markdale obtains the police check and verifies required insurance coverage for new drivers. Barb sat on the Board for Home and Community Support Services for 7 years. Other BVO activities, which Barb has been involved with over the years include the auction and the Christmas hampers. Thanks for your many years of service!

Bill Bauldry, Volunteer Maintenance
BVO Volunteer of the Year 2004 When BVO needs – a new door hung OR new shelves installed OR light fixtures replaced OR new storage space created OR tables set up and taken down OR leaks fixed OR repairs to anything and everything OR even a new face added to an old building – including new bricks, windows and doors: WHO DO WE CALL? You’re probably thinking that we call on a whole team of experts. BUT you would be wrong because there is just one expert that does it all! BILL BAULDRY. We consider ourselves very lucky indeed to have the dedication and expertise of this very generous and community minded person as part of our BVO team. Bill, we’re pleased to have this opportunity to sing your praises to the community about all that you do for BVO. We couldn’t manage without your ongoing, support. Thanks!

Barb Moreau, Volunteer – Treasure Shop
Dec 2005 – Barb Moreau is a relatively recent volunteer with BVO. Barb served as a member of the Board for two years, but most people know her as an inviting, friendly face in the Treasure Shop. Barb prefers the “hands on approach” in the work of our organisation. Together with Mary Johnston, Barb co-ordinates the overall workings of the Treasure Shop, aiming to provide a congenial, efficient, people-friendly atmosphere for volunteers and shoppers alike. We appreciate her style and the many hours she dedicates to the Treasure Shop, working quietly, often behind the scenes.

Lynette Morley, Coordinator for Valley Visitors
Lynette Morley was a member of the Board of Directors throughout the 1990s. She contributed many hours per week to the Clothing Depot when it was housed in the basement of the Thornbury town hall, as well as in Clarksburg when BVO moved there. She took over organizing Valley Visitors in the 90s, connecting volunteers with people in our community who are recuperating from illness or would benefit from a regular friendly visit. If you would like to volunteer as a Valley Visitor or receive a visit, call BVO and we will put you in touch with Lynette.

Rita Mary Cote, Past President – Board of Directors and 2003 Volunteer of the Year
Rita Mary Coté was chosen from among many as BVOs Volunteer of the Year. Rita has been a member of BVO for 12 years and currently sits as Chair of the Board of Directors. Her numerous contributions to this organization include many years as Treasurer and organization of 8 Silent Auctions! Apart from her work with BVO, Rita Mary has devoted her time and talents to Partners for Affordable Housing and to the development of a local chapter of Life Long Learning. And who else could possibly bring 35 individuals together to participate in discussions about scripture? Adult education is Rita Mary’s second love. Needless to say her first is our community. Hats off to you Rita! 2007 – Rita Mary currently sits on the Board of Directors as Past President.

Mary Johnston, Volunteer – Director, Board AND Treasure Shop
Mary Johnston was selected as Volunteer of the Year [2001] in the Town of the Blue. Mary has been involved with BVO for the last 10 years. These days at BVO you can find Mary in the Treasure Shop, but she was previously involved with the Breakfast Program. Among other volunteer work, Mary sat on the Board of Marsh Street Centre. She sings in the choir at St. Vincent’s in Meaford and helps out with many other church functions. Her nursing skills allowed her to do hospice work in Collingwood and to provide transportation for hospice patients. She is a proud mother and grandma. Her friends consider her reliable, fun, flighty and faithful!

Dal Dalrymple, Volunteer of Long Standing
[Nov, 2003] Dal has been volunteering at BVO for as long as he has lived in Thornbury. Thats been 10 years! He told me that it was Hazel South who first contacted him about whether he might be interested becoming a Valley Visitor. Dal has always been a Handy Andy. Over the years,he toted numerous loads of waste from BVO to the dump on a regular basis. He enjoys visiting Errinrung during the musical hour and helps out by rearranging furniture and ushering residents into the music room. Born in August 1913, Dal spent his childhood on the prairies in Saskatchewan. He says it was there that he learned about the value of good neighbours. “Seems like people who live in the city in those high rise apartments are imprisoning themselves”. He and I agree that it is often easier to feel like you are part of a community when you reside in a smaller town. Dal was married for 62 years and has been a widower for the last six years. He has two sons and a daughter. He told me that he didn’t get to know his sons until they were almost seven and five because he was in service during W.W.II. When he left on his 5-year tour of service, his oldest son Des was only 16 months and his youngest boy Donald wasnt born until 4 months after he left! I think it was hard for the boys to get used to me once I came home. Young Donald asked his mother one day after Id been home about two or three weeks, Is he the new boss here now? For three years, Dal and his family lived in Whitehorse while he and his crew maintained mechanical service on the heavy equipment, which was used to build the Alaskan pipeline. They moved from Whitehorse to Manitoba. When he retired Dal and his wife lived in Victoria for 30 years before coming to Thornbury to be closer to their children and their families. Dal is still very fond of Victoria and as the wind and wet snow whip around the large pine tree in his front yard, I can understand why! Today, Dal is grateful for his health, for his independence, for his past role as a Canadian peace-keeper, a volunteer, a parent, and grandparent. We need to remember to live, not just exist. Wise words, Mr. Dalrymple, wise man!

Mae Lanktree, Volunteer – Treasure Shop
Dec 2005 – Mae has been associated with BVO for over 20 years. She was one of the originals, part of the founding group that came together in the early 1980s to assess needs of people living in the Beaver Valley. Recently Mae was a member of the Board. Her chief involvement is in The Treasure Shop. There she is tireless in her efforts, especially in tending to the linen area. As one of the Team Leaders in TTS, she works above and beyond the call of duty.

by Rita Mary Cote Being a Volunteer Creates Opportunities , Nov 2006
It has often been said that volunteers are the heart of Beaver Valley Outreach. That’s because it’s TRUE! BVO would not have survived 25 years without hundreds of volunteers who have given generously of their time and care, talents and skills, energy and ideas. Without dedicated volunteer hours, too many to count, BVO would not be the dynamic organization that it has become, filling gaps in services and caring for the diverse needs of individuals and families in our community. I went to a few volunteers and asked two questions: 1] Why did you become a volunteer at BVO? AND 2] What are the benefits of being a BVO volunteer? Here is what I heard: “I was invited and I responded to the invitation!” “I had a desire to become involved in the community  and it worked!” “The philosophy of BVO appealed to me.” “I wanted to be part of the organization because I liked what BVO does and for whom.” “When I retired I promised myself I would do volunteer work, and I found BVO.” “I found BVO on the Chamber site and liked what I saw there, so I phoned and offered my services  and became a member of the Silent Auction Committee. What a wonderful group!” “I always wanted to run a second hand shop& and The Treasure Shop at BVO beckoned me!” As for the benefits of being a BVO volunteer, here is what I learned: “For me, I am able to support the community at grass roots level.” “I get to meet all kinds of people who enjoy working together in The Treasure Shop. It is where I have the most fun!” “As a volunteer member of the Board of Directors of BVO, I found a way to bring skills from a previous life to bear in the organization.” “I wanted to do some things I did NOT do in my previous life& and I found BVO!” “As a newcomer to the area, community involvement and meeting people was a priority for me. I have experienced both in volunteering here.” “The reorganization of The Treasure Shop afforded me an opportunity to discover my organizational skills, and to work with people in creating a more effective space for volunteers and shoppers.” “I was hoping to get to know people and to make a few friends. Here as a volunteer I have a sense of belonging to a diverse community.” “I had a need to do something useful, to put my energy into something. Besides that, I look forward to the companionship and to working alongside like hearted souls.” “It beats sitting at home looking out the window!” “I was afraid I’d be bored with my move to the country. Since becoming involved at BVO that concern has disappeared. Now there are not enough hours in the day!” Volunteering at BVO sounds like a good idea. Help keep the ball rolling by volunteering your time and energy to “making good things happen in our community.” It may be good for you! It will certainly be good for BVO!

Norine and Garth Baron, BVO Volunteers
Norine and Garth have volunteered throughout their lives in several organizations at the international and national level, but especially in the Beaver Valley area. The year 2002 has been no exception! Both Barons continue to be very involved in Grace United Church as Board Members. In addition, Garth sits on the property and outreach committees; helps with “Grace in Motion” and is involved with the St. Patrick’s Supper. Norine and Garth assist at the Alpine Ski Club and are there on the coldest weekends to organize and record racing results. They are members of the Beaver Valley Heritage Society and the Bruce Trail Association. Norine is involved with Canadian Crossroads International – an exchange organization which facilitates the exchange of volunteers around the world and Garth is the CFO of the Grey Bruce NDP. Last, but NOT least, they both have been involved with BVO for many years. Garth has ben responsible for keeping our books and has kept us in good financial stead for many years. Both have served on the Board and both seem to always rise to the challenge whenever work needs doing or events need planning! BVO is proud to call Garth and Norine our friends and supporters!

Marty Lacey, BVO Treasurer – 2003 Volunteer of the Year [Town of Blue Mountains Chamber]
When Mary and her hubby Byron first moved to Clarksburg, Byron was a little worried that Marty might become bored and he asked Hazel South if she might help Marty become involved in some local activities. The rest is history! Marty is as busy as a volunteer in our community as she was when she was working full time! She is currently the Treasurer of both BVO and Marsh Street Community Centre AND her commitment to both of these organizations does NOT stop with managing money. Marty is involved in many aspects from Teddy Bear Picnics to Silent Auctions to Breakfast Club Garage Sales and Family BBQs. Marty is also a Rotarian in the Thornbury-Clarksburg Club. Her commitment to our community does not end with organized groups – her generousity as a human being may see Marty driving children or adults to the doctor or the hospital or to school…she is always ready with a smile and a helping hand! Congratulations Marty – you are a marvel!

Ted Decorso, 2006 Volunteer of the Year [Town of Blue Mountains Chamber]
Ted is one of our community partners who is completely dedicated to “making good things happen in our community.” In 1996, Ted together with Teresa Pearson, came up with an idea for a community dinner on Thanksgiving weekend for people who might otherwise be eating alone. This first dinner was held in the lower level of Grace United Church and through the efforts of local chiefs about 25 people were fed and enjoyed their comrades. Last year Ted and Sherrie Lee from BVO organized and prepared the 10th Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner where over 750 people dined, were musically entertained and celebrated thanks together. Without Ted’s assistance in past years, BVO’s annual volunteer picnic would have been less delicious! Although he is unable to be with us this year as an organizer and a chief, we hope he will be dropping by for a nibble. And speaking of “nibbles”, Ted has been a motivating force for the food drive from Georgian Peaks benefiting the BVO emergency food supply. We know at BVO that Ted is always thinking of the community with a special focus on children. He doesn’t rest until the job is done. He is an idea man whom you can count on to follow through. The entire BVO family celebrates this worthy recognition of Ted’s efforts to enhance the welfare of our citizens and our community. Congratulations dear friend!

www.bvo.ca