Volunteer

Today, May 5, we honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks.

We remember the lives stolen and the ongoing impacts of colonial violence and systemic inequities.

At HCFS, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. We commit to listening, …learning, and taking action toward reconciliation for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

Wearing red today honours those who are missing and reminds us that this is a crisis we must not ignore.

#RedDressDay
#HCFS
#HamOnt
#TheretoCare

Social connection is essential to mental health, and still too many people in Canada feel lonely.

This May 4-10, CMHA’s Mental Health Week invites us to Come Together, Canada through small, everyday acts of connection.

Because connection strengthens mental health!

…#MentalHealthWeek
#HCFS
#HamOnt

May is Sexual Assault Prevention Month. This month, we recognize the importance of education, consent, and community support in ending sexual violence.

Community organizations like SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton Area) play a vital role by providing support to survivors of …sexual assault, sexual abuse and harassment. Learn more by visiting their website: sacha.ca

Together, we can work toward a future free from sexual violence.

#HCFS
#HamOnt
#SACHA
#TheretoCare

By honoring children’s faith and traditions, foster caregiver Tracy helps them feel truly at home.

We’re so thankful for our foster caregivers—and the need for more has never been greater. Learn how you can foster and make a difference by visiting our website: …hamiltoncfs.ca/foster-care/

#HCFS
#TheretoCare
#Fostering

As National Volunteer Week comes to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteer drivers.

Your time, dedication, and kindness help families in our community access important services and support.

Because of you, we are able to make a real difference …every day.
Interested in becoming a volunteer driver? We’d love to hear from you!

Visit https://buff.ly/cLFQ9zd for more information or to apply to become an HCFS Volunteer Driver!

#NationalVolunteerWeek
#IgniteVolunteerism
#VolunteerDrivers
#HCFS

During National Volunteer Week we’re sharing messages of appreciation for the incredible volunteer drivers who help families access the support they need.

Your time, care, and dedication truly help ignite volunteerism in our community.

#ThankYouVolunteers
…#IgniteVolunteerism
#NationalVolunteerWeek
#HCFS

As we mark both Administrative Professionals Day and National Volunteer week, we’re highlighting the HCFS Service Support Associates!

While many administrative professionals support our organization in different ways, this team plays a key role in keeping our Volunteer Driver Program …organized and running smoothly. We are grateful for the coordination and support they bring to this important work.

#AdministrativeProfessionalsDay
#NationalVolunteerWeek
#Teamwork
#HCFS

Today we celebrate the planet we share and the communities that bring it to life 💚🌎

#EarthDay
#OurPowerOurPlanet
#Community
#HamOnt

At HCFS, our volunteer drivers help make vital connections possible for families in our community.
Every trip makes a difference. Thank you to our volunteer drivers for helping us ignite volunteerism in our community!

#InternationalVolunteerWeek
#CommunityImpact
…#IgniteVolunteerism
#HCFS

Linda is our longest-serving volunteer driver, marking 30 years of showing up for children, youth and families in our community! Quiet, kind, and always ready, she’s built countless connections along the way… because as she puts it, “the children need us”.

When she’s not …volunteering, Linda enjoys quiet time with her family or relaxing at home with her cats.

This week we are celebrating people like Linda and the steady impact of a lifetime of giving back.

#NationalVolunteerWeek
#IgniteVolunteerism
#VolunteerDrivers
#HCFS

Judy has been a volunteer driver for over 17 years, turning her time into something that truly matters. Outgoing and full of heart, she finds joy in the simple moments… like seeing kids light up when she arrives, receiving little things they’ve made just for her, and listening to KX94.7 while …she’s out on the road.

Outside of volunteering, Judy loves getting out for some shopping or heading to bingo for a bit of fun.

This week, we’re celebrating people like Judy and the difference that comes from giving your time, and seeing the impact come full circle.

#NationalVolunteerWeek
#IgniteVolunteerism
#VolunteerDrivers
#HCFS

Meet Marlene! Marlene has been a volunteer driver for over a decade and a half, bringing not just reliability…but warmth, connection and care to every ride.

Whether its kids calling out her name with excitement, or a full-circle moment like being recognized years later with a hug, …Marlene reminds us that volunteering is all about showing up, making a difference and feeling truly needed.

When Marlene isn’t volunteer driving, she enjoys spending time with her 8 grand and 4 great-grandchildren, who keep her happy and busy.

This week, we’re celebrating people like Marlene. Steady, kind, and quietly changing lives every day.

#NationalVolunteerWeek
#IgniteVolunteerism
#VolunteerDrivers
#HCFS

It’s the start of National Volunteer Week!
This year’s theme, Ignite Volunteerism, celebrates the passion and impact volunteers bring to our communities every day.
Our volunteer drivers help families access the support and services they need by generously giving their time and their …wheels. Their kindness keeps our community moving.
Throughout the week we’ll be highlighting the incredible people who make this possible. Thank you to all of our volunteer drivers for everything you do!
#InternationalVolunteerWeek
#IgniteVolunteerism
#VolunteerDrivers

Home is where your traditions are respected.

In Rania’s home, they celebrate Christmas and Eid and make space for Buddhism and Christianity. They decorate together, pray together, and learn from each other.

As a foster caregiver of ten years, Rania understands that every child… deserves to grow up in their own faith, culture and truth.

We are so grateful to our diverse foster caregivers – from all faith backgrounds – who ensure children can continue their religious practices and cultural traditions while in care.

Help a child feel at home by honoring their heritage. We need foster homes from all faith communities.

Learn how your unique background can support children and youth in foster care. Visit our website to start your journey: http://www.hamiltoncfs.ca/foster-care

#HamOnt
#HCFS
#Fostering
#TheretoCare

The Hamilton Child and Family Support Speaker’s Bureau is comprised of front-line child protection workers and supervisors. Speakers can be requested to present to local organizations, community groups and schools about the role of the HCFS and the public’s duty to report. Special presentations… focused on adoption, fostering and volunteering can also be arranged.

Visit http://www.hamiltoncfs.ca to learn more about the Speaker’s Bureau or to request a speaker for your organization.

#HCFS
#SpeakersBureau
#DutytoReport
#HamOnt

Did you know that for everyone in Ontario, including members of the public and professionals, it is the law to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect?
This is known as the Duty to Report.
We all share a responsibility to protect children from harm. If you have concerns about the safety… or well-being of a child or youth, please call our office at 905-522-1121.
For more information on sharing concerns and the Duty to Report visit http://www.hamiltoncfs.ca
#HCFS
#DutytoReport
#We’reAllResponsible
#HamOnt

📢 Holiday Closure Notice 📢

Please note that our office will be closed on Friday, April 3 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday).

We will reopen on Tuesday, April 7, with regular hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

As always, if you have concerns about the …safety and well-being of a child or youth, call us 24/7 at (905) 522-1121.

#HamOnt
#HCFS
#TheretoCare
#HamiltonON

To everyone celebrating, we're wishing you a meaningful holiday filled with good food, good company, and moments that remind us what really matters. Chag Sameach! 🌿

#Passover
#HamOnt
#HCFS
#TheretoCare

Today, we celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and joy of transgender and gender-diverse people everywhere.

This day is about honoring the courage it takes to live authentically, recognizing the beauty of trans identities, and acknowledging that work is still needed so that everyone can …thrive without fear.

Not just today, but every day, take time to uplift those who choose to be seen, protect those who cannot and commit to creating communities where safety, dignity and belonging are non-negotiable!

Happy Transgender Day of Visibility – lets keep showing up, speaking up, and building a future rooted in love, equity and authenticity.

#HamOnt
#HCFS
#TransDayofVisibility
#Community

Our hearts are overflowing! 🩷 We received an incredible donation of teddy bears from the Toronto Rock and Smilezone Foundation.

These cuddly bears and stuffies will bring comfort and smiles to the children we support.

We're so grateful for this community partnership and …for everyone who donated a bear. Your kindness truly creates moments of joy for the families we serve.

Thank you for helping us spread comfort and care!

#ThankYou
#HamOnt
#HCFS
#Smilezone
#TorontoRock