The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths

Volunteering

The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is a volunteer organization: founded by volunteers and continually fuelled by the initiative and dedication of thousands of volunteers across the country.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths - without them we simply wouldn't be able to offer the quality services and programs that we do.

The people who volunteer for the SIDS Foundation are an exciting, dynamic and diverse group who share a willingness to contribute their time and talent to find the cause or cure for SIDS. How they contribute -- and how much time they contribute -- differs from person to person.

There are opportunities for you at the national and chapter levels on boards, committees, and in administration, peer support, public education and fund raising. Our volunteers are family members, friends, community-minded individuals or people looking to make friends or build a resume: there is a place for almost everyone at the SIDS Foundation.

Services

• Peer Support Program
  The Peer Support Program is a service of support and information providing mutual emotional support, information, discussion and contact with others learning to cope with the sudden death of their infant. Peer support volunteers are trained and supported by the Foundation to provide support to other families by telephone, one on one or group meetings.

Education

Anyone interested in providing the public with a greater understanding of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is invited to get involved in a number of public education initiatives. We publish newsletters, offer a resource library, mail-out literature packages, and develop instructional and educational videos. In addition, the SIDS Foundation is always looking for individuals willing to speak to groups about SIDS and the steps to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Office Work

As part of the ongoing commitment to keeping administrative costs low, anyone wishing to acquire office skills or share existing expertise during office hours is encouraged to contact the SIDS Foundation to volunteer their time.

Do You Have A Special Skill?

If you have a special skill that you feel the SIDS Foundation could benefit from, please call the Society and discuss how we can cater a special volunteer program to your needs. Skills such as desk top publishing, writing, public relations, photography, data entry, or group facilitation (among many others) all have a place in helping families cope with the death of their child.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering brings many potential benefits: for you, for your cause and for your community. These benefits include:

• Gaining personal satisfaction through skill development
• Meeting new people
• Feeling good and building self-esteem
• Helping to improve the quality of community life
• Challenging yourself and grow
• Developing a sense of accomplishment and self-worth
• Staying active and involved in your community
• Enhance your health and well being
• Supporting a cause in which you believe
• Having fun!

Volunteers are the keys to our success and we invite you to get involved. For more information on current volunteer opportunities or information on how to become a volunteer, please contact Mary MacCormick, Volunteer Coordinator at 1-800-END-SIDS or email her at mmaccormick@sidscanada.org.

* Please note that volunteer recruitment is an ongoing process, therefore, volunteer positions may be filled or become vacant at any time.

• Office/Administration Volunteer
  Assist the office manager with the day-to-day workings of the CFSID, such as photocopying, filing, and letter campaigns.

• Speaker's Bureau
  These volunteers give presentations and attend events geared to educate the general public about SIDS, its key issues and concerns and the steps to reduce the risk of SIDS.

• Fundraising Events Volunteer
  These volunteers help in all aspects of the events, such as planning, marketing and day-of-event assistance. Examples of fundraising events we hold each year are "Keegan's Walk" (Kemptville, Ontario), "Dinner and Auction" (Niagara Falls, Ontario), and "Breakfast with Santa" (Milton and Aurora, Ontario)