CONTACT’s Volunteer South Simcoe ran a fun and exciting week of youth action during March Break this year. The Herald took part in a session with a group of youth learning about volunteerism at an event run by the organization. The teens were given a brief seminar on journalism and reporting by Alliston Herald reporter Kurtis Elsner, before being sent out into the community to find volunteers, interview them and write a profile. In the spirit of volunteer week, April 27 to May 3, the Herald is running the results of their efforts here today.

Working at the Gibson Centre can be a lot of hard work, but with the help of the volunteers, that work is made a lot easier.

Mollyann Geiselman lived in Pennsylvania for 25 years, before moving to Toronto and eventually Briar Hill.

She has three sons and two grandchildren, and now loves to volunteer with her free time. Geiselman started volunteering at the Gibson Centre in September, and still loves her experience there, she said.

She works in the café, preparing soups, sandwiches and desserts.
Geiselman first heard about the Gibson Centre from a friend, who suggested to her that it would be an excellent experience. Geiselman agreed, and hasn’t regretted her decision yet.
One of her favourite parts of the job is to see the Honda Performance Hall packed with people, and seeing the smiles on their faces while they are enjoying and listening to the music. 

Along with Geiselman’s, there are several other jobs are available at the Gibson Centre for volunteers, such as working at the gift shop, ushering parties, catering events and working and helping with the constant performances.

The Gibson Centre was built in 1889 as a factory. In 2007, the Gibson Centre for Community, Arts and Culture officially opened its doors as a new community centre.

By Brooklyn Sandford,
Haley Mawby and Joey Craib

The Clothes Line is not your typical family, but its warm and friendly atmosphere makes you feel as if you are part of it, said volunteers.

Volunteers Gail Wilson and Ginny Plets, and store manager Jackie Curd, have been part of the Clothes Line’s history for so long that it has become a part of them, they said.

One of the main jobs at the Clothes Line is sorting clothes and linen. Everyone shares in the work, and if any one volunteer is need of help, the others are there to lend a hand, they said.

While many of the volunteers have contributed to the community in other areas, the Clothes Line remains a consistent venue of choice for community members to volunteer. Wilson has volunteered there for four years and Plets for 11. All have given a little piece of themselves to the community through the Clothes Line, said Curd.

The store is known for being a friendly, welcoming and positive environment for people of all ages and everyone who enters instantly becomes a part of that family.

One example that stands out in the minds of many of the volunteers was an older couple that visited the store multiple times. The couple disappeared for a few weeks before returning to the store.

The volunteers, having talked to the couple on many occasions, knew that the husband was battling cancer and when they came to visit, thinking it would be the last time, they had a very emotional conversation with hugs and tears to spare.

For the volunteers, this demonstrates the bond that is formed between them and the community members.