Community Projects (for more info on any project contact 613-962-9531)

This fun interactive program is delivered in grade four classrooms across Hastings & PrinceEdwardCounties across both school boards. United Way of Quinte and its team of volunteers have talked to over 1500 students about good citizenship, civic responsibility and age appropriate opportunities for volunteering. This 90 minute session fits nicely with the character development curriculum and leaves the student with materials to take home and stimulate a conversation with parents and caregivers.

Training is provided to all volunteers delivering the program and individuals from the business and non-profit communities are required for every session with a UW facilitator leading the way.

WHAT IT IS
Day of Caring mobilizes volunteers from local businesses that support United Way and matches them with non-profit agencies throughout Hastings & PrinceEdwardCounties. Day of Caring is a unique opportunity for employees in a workplace to come together, develop team building skills, and make a difference in our community by taking part in meaningful work projects at local agencies.

Projects range from a half or full day in length and can include construction, restoration, special events and participating in agency work. Anywhere from 3 to 15 employees can be required to complete an agency project. It is an opportunity for employee volunteers to see their donations at work in the community. The projects are great exercise in collaboration, hard work and general all around fun in the spirit of volunteering, while making a difference in our communities.

If an organization is unable to put together a team of volunteers but is still interested in participating in Day of Caring they may be interested in donating or sponsoring materials for specific projects.

WHAT IT MEANS (in the words of past participants)
"Day of Caring is such a wonderful opportunity to connect in a more personal way with volunteers from business and corporations to share what our agencies are really all about, while accomplishing much needed projects" - Amy Watkins, Executive Director, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Hastings & Prince Edward Counties

"Nortel Employees have participated in Day of Caring for many years sending as many as 20 employees to 7 different agencies. One of the most gratifying experiences was at First Adventure Child Development Centre where 10 volunteers built a shade cover over the sandbox in the pre-school yard, painted chubbies, built and inserted window shelves, created shelving in the toddlers outside storage shed, and raked and turned the sand and gravel in the outdoor play areas. It was a great team building exercise for the employees and showed many of them the benefits brought to local agencies by United Way. We will continue to volunteer our time as long as the nee remains, it's just another way we can give back to the community." - Randy Rombough, Day of Caring Volunteer from Nortel

United Way of Quinte works as a coordinator matching host agencies with workplace teams and facilitating their joint efforts to make the day a success for everyone.

WHO BENEFITS
Local non-profit agencies in Hastings & PrinceEdwardCounties receive much needed assistance with projects, which in turn allows them to focus their resources on those they serve.

The employer benefits from experience as well, bringing their team together in a new way as everyone pitches in on a project that is very different from their normal workday. It can also generate public visibility for the employer through media opportunities their presence in the community creates.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED
For further information about deadlines and guidelines for Day of Caring or to obtain a Company or Agency Participation Form, please contact: Amy Watkins , Director of Community Invesment.

The Good Backpack Program is a partnership project of United Way Quinte, Community Development Council of Quinte, and Volunteer & Information Quinte. The program provides approximately 900 elementary aged children in Hastings & PrinceEdwardCounties with grade appropriate school supplies to start the school year ready to learn.

Backpacks are available to any student in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. Students must be entering JK to Gr 8 to participate. Back Packs are only $10 each (cash only). Payment is required at time of registration.
Waiting lists are available.

Registration takes place in every community in July, dates are circulated in the June edition of school newsletters and can be found on this site or by contacting either of the partner agencies.

To support this program, both financial and in-kind donations are gratefully accepted. Contact United Way offices or visit the following locations:

Stuff the Bus
The Quinte Mall, Parkhurst Transportation and Quinte Broadcasting make this project possible every year in mid-August. A school bus is parked inside the Mall and individuals and retailers are encouraged to purchase school supplies to stuff the bus. All contributions are given to the Good Backpack Program for distribution.

Stack the Pack
Wal-Mart, Rhino bag, and Starboard Communications partner on this initiative every August to also solicit school supplies and cash donations from local residents. All items are distributed through the Good Backpack program.

For information on registration dates and the online registration form, please click here.

Seeing Is Believing Tour

Board the bus with us to see the impact that United Way of Quinte has in our community.
The Seeing is Believing Tour provides individuals with an opportunity to see first hand their donations at work as they visit local agencies and programs and meet the front line workers and recipients of services. There is no charge for this unique experience.

Operating out of Federation House at 114 Victoria Ave. in Belleville every Saturday from 9:00AM to 3:00PM. The Worker's Help Centre is open to any unionized or non-unionized employees requiring assistance with referrals on workplace issues including health and safety, workplace concerns, and E.I. or WSIB claims.