Katimavik is back and ready to make a difference!
On July 6, a group of 11 eager and enthusiastic youth from all across Canada arrived in Quesnel. They are taking part in Katimavik, a volunteer service initiative for youth. The first of two Katimavik groups will make Quesnel their home from July to September, and then swap places with a group in Montreal, Que. for the next three months.
Victoria Blais, originally from Ontario, will be heading up the project in Quesnel as the group’s Project Leader. Still new to the community herself, Victoria has thoroughly enjoyed discovering the history, culture and natural beauty of the area. She feels privileged to have been placed in such a welcoming and supportive community.
The 11 youth will be volunteering full-time at various not-for-profit organizations across the town, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Quesnel, Dunrovin Park Lodge, Quesnel and District SPCA, Quesnel Downtown Association, One World Treasures, New Focus Society, Salvation Army Thrift Store and Food Bank, and Quesnel Native Friendship Centre.
“Not only does this program help community members directly, but it also provides endless opportunities for personal and professional growth of the youth volunteers,” said Victoria. “Our hope is that they will walk away from this experience with the desire to continue giving back to their own communities, regardless of where that might be.”
Katimavik promotes civic engagement and fosters sustainable communities through challenging national youth service programs. Since 1977, Katimavik has enabled more than 30,000 Canadians to be involved in more than 2,000 communities throughout Canada. Volunteers between the ages of 17 and 21 live with 10 other youth from across the country in one or two communities. They commit to volunteering in the context of a six-month program where they will provide work 28 – 35 hours a week for a variety of not-for-profit organizations. Youth also benefit from Katimavik’s structured learning program that focuses on the development of lifelong personal, professional and social competencies in the areas of civic engagement, healthy lifestyle, cultural discovery, official languages, communication, environmental stewardship and project coordination.
For further information on Katimavik visit www.katimavik.org or visit our blog at www.gokatimavik.com.