Teams
Student Volunteering Info
A major component of the YES program is community service with each student volunteering a minimum of 80 hours during their YES year. Half of these hours are at one site where students become relied upon and experience the impact of targeted, on-going service. YES students have contributed over 3,500 volunteer hours in their local communities during the past eight years. Here is a brief description of where the 2014 YES students volunteered.
2014 YES TEAM – AGUA ESCONDIDA, GUATEMALA
A team of six students and three Rotarians from the United States were in Guatemala from June 19th to July 2nd to complete humanitarian service projects in partnership with Opal House.
Alex volunteered at Habitat for Humanity every Saturday. He helped build a duplex with other volunteers alongside the families who will be living there.“This experience has taught me how much of an impact you can have on a community by volunteering.”
Gisselle volunteered at Skagit Adult Day Program every week doing crafts with the elderly.“Being there for them when they didn’t remember me made me sad in some ways for them.”
Jack volunteered at Skagit Adult Day Program every Monday. He talked with the folks, often about what they used to do or what life was like for them.“Volunteering here let me see the life people have lived which is interesting and sometimes unexpected.”
Josie volunteered at Casino Road Kids every Wednesday. She engaged with 20-40 children from kindergarten to fourth grade, doing crafts, assisting with the dinner meal, and helping the kids with homework.“Casino Road Kids provides a safe place to be after school. Kids can escape from any hardships they are experiencing and just be kids.”
Taya volunteered at West View Elementary School every Tuesday or Thursday evening. She took care of kids whose parents were learning English and involved them in craft projects.“It was fun to work with kids because they wanted to meet and know you and are always happy.”
Emilia volunteered at Lucille Umbarger Elementary School every Tuesday and Thursday. She worked with several Hispanic first graders playing games and teaching them new words in English that the children in turn were teaching to their parents.“I wanted them to be passionate about being in school and learning by making it fun.”
2014 YES TEAM – CHIPOXLAC, GUATEMALA
A team of six students and three Rotarians from Canada were in Guatemala from July 3rd to July 15th to complete humanitarian service projects in partnership with Hands for Peacemaking.
Ashlyn Lim, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Haney
Ashlyn volunteered at Hospice Thrift Shop for an average of five hours a week. She priced, organized, checked stock, cleaned, steamed clothes, sorted goods, and built relationships with staff.
“It is very humbling to see people selflessly helping others. This has been a really enriching experience”
Derek Oye, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Haney
Derek volunteered at Gregmore Youth Center three days a week. He helped with the children programs and games.
“The ability to run a program and to meet new people are just a few of the things I have personally gained from this experience.”
Emma Jinnouchi, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Haney
Emma volunteered at Ridge Meadows Hospital one day a week. She socialized with patients, helped with odd jobs around the units, and handed out meals.
“Consistently volunteering in one location has given me a feeling of connection within the community. It has been a good experience and eye opening.”
Kayla Fielding, sponsored by Dr. Patrick O’Brien of RBC Dominion Securities, Maple Ridge, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Meadowridge
Kayla volunteered at Pitt Meadows Elementary School one day a week. She helped with group projects, marked student tests, gave extra math help to the kids, and helped their teacher with small jobs.
“Volunteering to help students has really opened my eyes to how important leaders and teachers are. It has made me appreciate them much more.”
Rachel Moree, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Haney
Rachel volunteered at Hospice Thrift Shop/Caring Place every Thursday. She priced clothes, sorted various items, restocked shelves, and helped prepare meals including serving and cleaning.
“Seeing the homeless of Maple Ridge at Caring Place who are really in need has opened my eyes. I never knew how much the Salvation Army does for others.”
