Celebrating National Volunteer Week

Peel CAS is celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 27 – May 3, 2025. The theme for this year is “Volunteers Make Waves,” recognizing the powerful impact volunteering makes in communities across the country. Each individual volunteer contribution, big or small, creates momentum and has the power to influence and inspire, building a wave of positive change.

We are deeply grateful to all our volunteers for the important work they do, and the generous gift of their time, energy and knowledge. Their kindness and compassion improves lives for the children, youth and families in our region every single day.

We asked a few of our volunteers to share a bit about themselves and their experiences. 

Téa Smith

Please share a story or example of an experience you had as a Peel CAS Volunteer that was particularly meaningful to you.

During the summer I had the opportunity to help out with the kids club in the summer. Although I assisted on the last days, I was immediately welcomed by the team, making it easy to jump right into the day. The day was full of excitement and fun with games, activities and  arts & crafts. One of the most memorable aspects was the sense of community, I was able to meet a group of people from diverse backgrounds, with unique and intriguing experiences. Seeing the impact we had on the children and their happiness and forming connections made it a truly rewarding experience. 

How has volunteering at Peel CAS impacted your life?

Volunteering at Peel CAS has been an incredibly rewarding and insightful experience. It has given me an appreciation for the power of small acts of kindness and the difference it makes on someone's life. Seeing firsthand how a little bit of time and effort can positively impact others has shifted my own perspective. This experience has inspired me to give back for years to come and strengthened my sense of community. 

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in volunteering with Peel CAS.

The Peel CAS volunteering program is an incredible way to make connections with your community and make a real difference. While it may seem overwhelming at first, the team is supportive and always ready to answer any questions you may have. My advice is to embrace the experience with an open mind there is a lot to learn and the connections are invaluable.

Sona Bhalla

Please share a story or example of an experience you had as a Peel CAS Volunteer that was particularly meaningful to you.

I’m tutoring someone who was struggling to pass Math in order to graduate from Grade 12. Every time I hear how her grades are improving and how things are starting to make sense to her, my heart fills with so much joy and gratitude. It’s like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders, and I can see the spark of confidence growing in her eyes. I feel so blessed to have been part of her journey. To know that I’ve made even the smallest difference in her life—it’s a feeling I can’t put into words. It’s more than just math; it’s about helping her believe in herself, and that’s something I’ll always treasure.

How has volunteering at Peel CAS impacted your life?

Volunteering has opened my eyes to a whole new side of myself. It’s not just about giving my time or helping others—it’s about discovering strengths and qualities I never realized I had. Through volunteering, I've learned patience, empathy, and resilience in ways I never expected. It’s allowed me to connect with people in a deeper, more meaningful way, and in doing so, I’ve gained a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I didn’t know I was missing. It’s truly been an experience that has illuminated parts of my character and heart, giving me a richer understanding of who I am and what I’m capable of.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in volunteering with Peel CAS.

If you're volunteering, my biggest piece of advice is to embrace the experience fully, with an open heart and mind. You might go in thinking you're just there to help, but what you’ll quickly realize is that volunteering can teach you so much about yourself and the world around you. Be patient and kind with yourself as you learn new things and remember that your presence—no matter how small you think your contribution is—can make a world of difference in someone else's life.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, take initiative, and make mistakes. Every experience, good or bad, teaches you something valuable. Volunteering is about growth, not just for the people you help, but for you as well. So take the time to reflect on how it’s shaping you, and allow yourself to really connect with the work you're doing. And most importantly, have fun with it! You might discover new passions, form deep connections, and find a sense of fulfillment that lasts far beyond the hours you give.

Carol Kotacka

We are always looking for more volunteers! Click here to learn more about volunteering with Peel CAS.