Volunteer Team Extraordinaire, Monica & Olivia

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We invite you to join us in celebrating and applauding amazing Strong Start volunteers, by tweeting @Strong_Start using the hashtag #NVW2023 and #WeavingUsTogether, liking us on Facebook and connecting with us on Instagram. We also invite you to read stories from other volunteers, families, and our program partners here.  

National Volunteer Week 2023

      Stories

We invite you to join us in celebrating and applauding amazing Strong Start volunteers, by tweeting @Strong_Start using the hashtag #NVW2023 and #WeavingUsTogether, liking us on Facebook and connecting with us on Instagram. We also invite you to read stories from other volunteers, families, and our program partners here.  

My Baby’s Reading Journey

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I first heard about the Baby Connections program through a friend, when I was about nine months into my maternity leave. My daughter, Claire, was one of the older babies enrolled in the program at the Early Years Centre. Baby Connections is a wonderful opportunity for parents to learn how they can promote their children’s early literacy development.

Snuggle Up and Read

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There are so many benefits to reading to babies – from encouraging early language and brain development to fostering imagination. But most of all, reading together creates a special bond between parent and child.

“When I Grow Up, I Want To Teach Children Words”

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I first heard about Strong Start’s Letters, Sounds and Words program at church. Our pastor was talking about the need for volunteers, to help young children learn to read, at Howard Robertson P.S. After attending the two training sessions, the school’s Site Co-ordinator hosted an orientation session for the newly trained Volunteer Coaches.

Ten Apples Up On Top!

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Easton is my handsome, sweet, oldest child with short brown hair, blue eyes and olive complexion. He’s a thoughtful and energetic kid who loves math and hockey. Bed-time story time was a part of our daily routine and I could see him struggling to read on his own; even when we went to the library, he would pick out a book he found interesting but I would have to read a majority of the book to him.

“Mommy and I took the bus today….”

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When we moved to Canada (from Budapest) over 3 years ago, it was only supposed to be for a couple of years. Napsi was only 9 months old and at that time, I’d only ever conversed with her in Hungarian. However, after coming to Canada, I began talking to her in English, unaware of the consequences of switching the language would have.

Just One More Child

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Every child is unique and special. When they are young, they are just like sponges soaking up all the lessons we can teach them. Building a strong foundation for learning really does start from birth. The gift of reading is such a powerful tool.