Reading Buddies & Food Bank Volunteers

At Bethel, our vision is “loving God, each other and our neighbours”. Getting involved in community ministry at Bethel is a practical way of exploring who our neighbours are, and what this love can look like. Please consider whether one of the following opportunities speaks to your gifts, interests and availability.

We need additional reading buddies for our Harrow School Reading Program. Volunteers are matched with an elementary school student from Harrow School, and spend eight weeks getting to know that student, providing encouragement as they practice reading aloud to the volunteer, and nurturing a caring relationship with that student. Volunteers must complete a screening process, including child abuse and criminal record checks—but once completed the screening process is good for three years. Our next session will run from April 5 to May 24. If you are an avid reader or if you have love and attention to offer a child in our neighbourhood, this opportunity may be for you.

We also need additional volunteers at our food bank, every other Monday afternoon from about 12:45 to 1:45 pm, to help unload and set up the food that arrives. This is a great opportunity if you like to keep physically active and enjoy serving the community in practical ways. Thanks to Bethel volunteers, our food bank has increased our capacity to respond to the rising needs for food security in our neighbourhood, making a tangible difference in the daily lives of many families in our community.

If you’re interested in either of these opportunities, or would like to explore further involvement in our community ministry at Bethel, please contact Pastor Kathy McCamis.