Extended Family Project Returns

Thursday, 3 September 2015 06:47

Operation Sharing is bringing back a program that won a national award for the City of Woodstock.

OXFORD COUNTY - Operation Sharing's Extended Family Project is getting a reboot.

The program won a national award for the City of Woodstock in the past, but now it's getting rejuvenated with a new coordinator. Eric Schmiedl will be sitting at the helm of this project that aims to help people in our community living in poverty. "It is basically helping people in poverty in a variety of ways. For example if you are looking for a job and you need help with a resume or a cover letter and you haven't done one for awhile we can help you with that. If your child's in poverty and they are looking to go into sports or art programs, and don't have the money we may be able to help you with that. Basically what ever the people need - that will guide the program."

This program helps more than just the participants, the volunteers gets a lot out of it as well. "Just because you're in poverty doesn't mean you don't have your own set of skills," Schmiedl says. "For example if you were a cobbler in the past, maybe you could help someone with their shoes. If you want to help someone with budgeting, because budgeting is crucial for people in poverty because they don't have a lot of money. Maybe people who do have a lot of money just don't do that."

They hope to bring the community together through this project and foster understand and caring. "I think it is actually becoming more important in the last couple days as we are officially in a recession which doesn't help people in poverty at all who are looking for work and to find their way. It is hard on everybody," Schmiedl points out.

The Extended Family Project is also teaming up with Cynthia Anne Centre for Addictions and will refer people there as needed.

Operating Sharing is currently looking for volunteers. You can contact Eric Schmiedl at ericschmiedl@yahoo.ca or 519-539-3361