Wherever you are and however much of an adventure you are having, it is safe to say that more than likely that you will be faced with challenges and obstacles on a regular basis. This is what life is made up of. It's even harder for people with disabilities. That's why Mark is so special. He's been supported by Mary Centre for about 5 years and I have been his respite worker during his tenure. Mark is intelligent, passionate, caring, and hard working. He went through a lot as a child, with many medical procedures. With the help of his family, he has overcome physical challenges and has had the opportunity to live a fun and fulfilling life. You couldn't wipe the smile off his face! He now holds down two jobs, at Shopper's Drug-mart & at Rogers video, which was rated one of the cleanest in Ontario. In addition to all of this, Mark is also a member of the Ontario Special Olympics, for baseball and hockey. I see Mark once a week, on Thursday afternoon. In the summer, we practice baseball, being that I was a student-athlete for baseball, in Louisiana, it was a perfect match. Mark has been one of the most improved players on his team. When the weather is not going our way, we go to the movies, shop around, and bowl, because he loves to be active. Through his hard work and dedication Mark has showed everybody resilience, when the going gets tough. We have to face life with a positive attitude and see ourselves as winners and Mark has been the best example out there! It's been a privilege to work with him. by David Quattrociocchi

Volunteer With Us

Volunteers play many vital roles here at Mary Centre. Nearly 60 volunteers share their time and hearts to enable adults with developmentally challenges to fulfill their potential. But we need more of you. Won't you share your talents with us?

Direct service

• Friendly visitors spend time on a regular basis with an individual who has a developmental disability at his or her home: having a chat, reading together, playing cards, going to the library or a movie, taking a walk together, attending sporting or recreation events
• Tutors teach reading, writing, math or computer skills
• Drivers transport individuals to social, recreational or church activities

The residents and participants of Mary Centre are typically loving, sensitive people who become very attached to their support workers and volunteer "buddies." For this reason, we carefully match personalities and interests — and we ask our direct service volunteers for a commitment of at least one year.

In return, you have an opportunity to not only enrich the life of an adult with a developmental challenge — but you have an opportunity to enrich your own life. Volunteers receive one-on-one orientation to Mary Centre and to the person whom you would support. And you also have an opportunity to attend any of our standard and special interest training programs. Volunteers learn about developmental challenges and acquire valuable new skills at the same time.

Support service

Newsletter assistants helps us stuff, stamp and label envelopes for the quarterly Mary Centre newsletter

Gardeners mow the lawns or weed gardens at our residences

Organizational development

Committee members assist with operational responsibilities of Mary Centre; we particularly need people with finance, communications, technology, fundraising and human resources skills

Board members contribute to the strategic direction and development of Mary Centre; we need individuals who can help us plan and monitor organizational and financial performance and strengthen governance.

As a non-profit organization with limited funding, Mary Centre is grateful for every volunteer and for every hour you spend with us. In appreciation we host volunteer dinners every year. The 2009 event was held in May at the Columbus Centre in Toronto. Volunteers received certificates of appreciation and had an opportunity to get to know one another, as well as Mary Centre residents, participants and staff.

If you're interested in contributing your time and skills to Mary Centre — and enhancing the lives of others — we'd love to talk with you.

For direct or support service volunteering, contact our parish outreach/volunteer coordinator,
Carol Chung, (416) 630-5533, ext. 227.

For organizational development volunteering, contact executive director
Dominic Conforti, (416) 630-5533, ext. 223.