It is never a bad time to open your heart and give back to your community. And with seemingly everyone being directly affected one way or another by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no better time to be of service to those who need it.

Statistics conducted by The Salvation Army indicate that close to half of Canadians do some form of volunteer work. The same study concluded that 45 percent of non-volunteers don’t become involved because no one asks them to. So, if you were looking for a sign to tell you to get involved on a local level, this may just be it. Here are a few volunteering opportunities you can pursue in the Laval community.

La Maison Des Jeunes de Laval-Ouest, founded in 1992, is non-profit youth centre providing an excellent opportunity for teenage Lavallers (aged 12 to 17) to engage with their community. Quality in-person interactions seem to be lacking in today’s young generation, giving all the more reason to consider MDJLO as a perfect option for a fun and safe bonding experience for kids. Registration is free and new members are always welcome. Some of their activities include Improv nights, community suppers and camping excursions. The centre also provides self-esteem workshops and homework help on site. For more information, visit the MDJLO website https://www.mdjlo.org/.

Centre d'Écoute de Laval, the CEL helpline, has been in operation for over thirty years, serving as a way for people to alleviate tension and stress in difficult situations. It began as an in-person support group for women, until demand grew high enough that a 24/7 helpline was created. The helpline provides empathy and respect to callers from all walks of life. All calls are confidential and judgement-free. The organization currently has over 40 volunteers, many of which have been there for decades. If you can spread positivity, provide some empathy and lend your ear to those in distress, check out the CEL website to find out how you can get started. https://www.centredecoute.com/benevolat/.

CANOPÉE, also known as The Laval Wood Network, is an organisation dedicated to conserving the natural wooded environments of Laval. Their mission began in 2017 with the attempt to enhance Laval’s more than 20 large wooded areas. They are action-oriented and have achieved a lot in a very short time. The members of CANOPÉE have been getting to work on various projects including the planting of trees, the creation and distribution of educational material for schools, and family-oriented activities. There are three levels of volunteering commitment for CANOPÉE, meaning environmentalists with limited time on their hands can still get involved in occasional projects. If you have a green thumb and/or care deeply about your natural urban environment, be sure to check out CANOPÉE’s volunteering page. https://www.reseaucanopee.org/fr/espace-implication/.

The benefits of volunteering are not apparent until you’ve actually tried it for yourself. The joy that comes from selflessness and virtue is unmatched. Hopefully, our little list got you thinking about how you can give back to your neck of the woods. For a more extensive list of where to volunteer, check out https://www.laval.ca/Pages/Fr/Activites/devenir-benevole.aspx.