VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Bob Bell
Jobs'R'Us
In a story not unlike Christine's, Bob's volunteer career with Jobs'R'Us started quite by accident.
Bob was first introduced to Jobs'R'Us while working as a driver for the Kawartha Lakes Boys and Girls Club. Jobs'R'Us is located in the Boys and Girls Club building and Bob often found himself popping in to say hello to the Jobs'R'Us folks before and after his runs for the Club.
At Jobs'R'Us, Bob met Barb and April - the Community Living Kawartha Lakes staff members at the site - and was introduced to the individuals working there. Before long, Bob's visits to Jobs'R'Us were so frequent that it seemed only natural to enlist as a volunteer. So Bob completed the application process with Community Living Kawartha Lakes and the rest, as they say, is history.
Bob has many duties at Jobs'R'Us, although he spends the bulk of his time in the woodworking shop. In the shop, Bob supervises the fellows while they make and paint hydro stakes. It is Bob's job to ensure that all safety rules and regulations are followed so that there are no accidents.
Bob also assists with the processing of cans, which are collected in support of Jobs'R'Us and the local Humane Society. "First we pull the tabs off," explains Bob, "Because they are made from pure aluminium and are worth more [than the cans themselves]. Then we separate and crush the cans."
When not helping out on site, Bob is busy out on the road. He drives to pre-established locations - like local pizza places and other restaurants - and picks up donated cans and bottles. His travels take him around Lindsay and as far away as Bethany and Omemee. A few of the individuals from Jobs'R'Us always join Bob on his rounds to help with the pick-ups.
Last but not least, Bob takes care of the grocery shopping for Friday's hot lunches, again with the assistance of employees from Jobs'R'Us.
When Bob is away - which usually means he is on vacation in Florida - he misses the Jobs'R'Us gang. "I always make sure to give them a call and see how they're doing," says Bob. The feelings go both ways. Says staff member Barb Stokes, "When Bob's not here, he's missed. He's not even on holidays yet and already he's being asked when he'll be back."
Asked what he likes about volunteering for Jobs'R'Us, Bob notes that the folks at Jobs'R'Us are very accommodating, matching his responsibilities to his schedule instead of the other way around (Bob helps out three, 1/2 days each week). "It is a good fit for me," he tells us. "I enjoy being a part of it. And I enjoy making things fun."
Continues Bob, "I like everything about Jobs'R'Us. They are a great bunch of people. These guys, it doesn't matter to them whether you're good looking or thin, they're not judgemental like that. They just accept you the way you are."
The folks at Jobs'R'Us couldn't agree more. When asked what they like about Bob, the employees there jump at the chance to share:
- "He's a nice guy."
- "He's a friend."
- "He has a good sense of humour, he makes us laugh."
- "He takes us on our bottle runs and shopping."
- "He's a good ol' guy."
- "I wish him luck on his holidays and also wish him luck because he puts up with us every day!"
Community Living Kawartha Lakes staff members at Jobs'R'Us concur. They report that Bob has a heart of gold and will do anything that he can for the guys at Jobs'R'Us. Says Barb Stokes: "He advocates for the employees and he voices his opinions," adding, with a laugh: "Whether we want to hear them or not."
"He appreciates and takes time for everyone he works with. We want to say a great big thank you for everything that he does," Barb concludes, with a great big smile in her voice.
For more information about Jobs'R'Us
For more information about Jobs'R'Us, please visit our web pages or call (705) 340-0146
To learn more about how you can support Jobs'R'Us by donating cans and glass bottles, click here.
For more information about volunteering
For more information about becoming a Community Living Kawartha Lakes volunteer, or to apply online, visit our Volunteer Centre.
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