| In July 2007, the Phoenix Centre for Children and Families, operated by Renfrew County Youth Services, hired youth intern Jacquelyn Purdy to act as a Volunteer Coordinator in support of fundraising and awareness efforts for the organization. Funding for the internship was secured through the Eastern Ontario Development Program, administered by Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation.
In her first month, Ms. Purdy took on the Phoenix Warrior events, which included a Yuk Yuk’s evening, Family Fun Day and Poker Run. Jacquelyn assisted with event planning and organization while recruiting approximately 50 volunteers to facilitate the activities. Roughly $35,000 was raised through the series of events to support programs and services providing family centred treatment for the mental health needs of children in Renfrew County.
Next on the agenda was Renfrew County’s first-ever “Incredible Race,” a local take on TV’s “The Amazing Race,” sponsored in part by Bell Canada. Purdy organized a series of checkpoints with the assistance of local businesses and organizations, recruited 60 volunteers to supervise the checkpoints, and solicited a number of extraordinary prizes to award to event winners. Feedback from participants, volunteers and sponsoring organizations was extremely positive. The event was such a success, bringing in just under $7000, that the Phoenix Centre is excited to continue the event in future years.
Recent accomplishments include the development of the “Friends of the Phoenix” program, an annual sponsorship program that allows businesses to support the agency through financial or in-kind contributions during the same month each year, and entering a float, built and manned by 20 volunteers, in the local Santa Claus Parade.
In addition to the financial support these initiatives have garnered for the Phoenix Centre, they have done an incredible job raising awareness of the programs and services available to Renfrew County residents. The Centre also notes that the number of community members wishing to volunteer at events has increased significantly since Jacquelyn’s coming on board.
Providing work experience for youth is incredibly important so they can learn and develop skills that will enhance their opportunities for future employment, but the benefits aren’t only for the interns. Organizations who hire youth tend to benefit significantly from their energy and enthusiasm, as well as their fresh minds.
After Jacqueline’s departure from the Phoenix Centre she was able to secure full time employment as the new Executive Director for the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation. Ms. Purdy is an excellent example of how the youth internship program benefits youth. |
