India Rainbow Community Services - Volunteer Appreciation Evening 2011

India Rainbow Community Services of Peel held its annual ‘Volunteer Appreciation’ evening on April 27,
2011 to thank and honor all volunteers who so selflessly gave of their time, talents, knowledge and energy to serve the diverse clientele in the past year.
Kitty Chadda, Executive Director welcomed the guests, saying “ .. thanks for being a part of India Rainbow. We couldn’t have done it without you”. In particular, she acknowledged the support of some corporations who give us financial donation through their staff who volunteer with us.
In her keynote address, Shivani Sharda, Vice-President, Board of Directors, India Rainbow said, “Simply
put, you care and you’re willing to give to others. It is important for us to be connected to our community and to enjoy that sense of belonging. Volunteers like you are a microcosm of a larger Canada. You are diverse, with differing backgrounds, differing experiences, and differing interests. You are a resilient, like-minded group of people – a steadfast group who are determined to give whatever you can for as long as you are able. This is the true spirit of volunteerism!”
This year, India Rainbow received 344 requests for volunteering, out of which 298 individuals were
interviewed and given orientation, of which 222 individuals were matched and placed among different
programs of the organization. To better put their efforts into perspective, our volunteers contributed a
staggering 30,000 hours, roughly equivalent to 17 full time positions! To help better understand and deliver appropriate support to our clients, as well as develop their own skills and enhance their self-development, volunteers attended training and awareness workshops, as well as educational seminars organized by India Rainbow on topics such as Life Line Services, Prevention of Heart and Stroke, Understanding Behavior in Dementia, Client’s Bill of Rights and Risk Management, Dressing for Success etc. Volunteers assisted in performing various tasks such as administrative work, outreach, fundraising, friendly visiting to homebound and lonely seniors, interpretation, translation of documents, event organization and helping in various aspects of our programs. These volunteers come to us from different backgrounds; high school students who wish to complete their 40 hours of community service, youth and seniors who are looking to give back to the community, college and university students, those receiving benefits from Ontario Works and Elizabeth Fry Society, private citizens, retirees, and newcomers to Canada. In particular, the contributions of Maggie D’Cruz and Laxmi Bansal were acknowledged as outstanding for they both contributed over 250 hours in the past year.
Saira Akram shared her experiences with the staff and clients that she has volunteered with. Saira said
“Volunteerism is truly an altruistic activity that gives rise to participation, involvement, fostering change,
engagement, mutual trust, development, respect, support, and commitment. When you put your hands and
your minds and most of all, your hearts at the service of others, the rewards you reap are endless. When you volunteer, your attitude is the true measure of success in life, and it makes not only our mind strong and healthy, but the society you live in strong and healthy as well”
All members of the volunteer Board of Directors and the Policy Advisory Committee of the organization
were also acknowledged for contributing over 500 hours of their time, hard work, expertise, insight and
dedication in helping steer India Rainbow in the right direction.
All volunteers were presented with a ‘Volunteer Recognition Certificate’. Entertainment was provided by
Venu Monga, and Harmeet Harjani who also wear the volunteer hat at India Rainbow.
India Rainbow has been providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the Peel immigrant
community since 1985, through English language training, employment related services and settlement
services. We also provide services to women facing domestic violence, as well as services to families with children and youth. Our Adult Day Program provides services to frail/elderly South Asian seniors with chronic illness or a disability. We provide housing support and case management to South Asian adults with serious mental health issues who are at risk of becoming homeless. Our weekly structured Senior Wellness Program for healthy South Asian seniors includes recreational activities such as exercise programs, mental stimulation, presentations and social activities. We serve the community through 4 locations in the Region of Peel. For further information or to volunteer, please contact us at: 905-275-2369.

Media contact:
Daksha Mulla
Manager – Media and Outreach
3038 Hurontario Street, Suite 206
Mississauga, ON
L5B 3B9
905-275-2369 Ext. 231

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