| May 15, 2013


The spring Coffee House held last week at Sharbot Lake High School was co-sponsored by the Youth program of Northern Frontenac Community Services (NFCS). It was also included in a province-wide initiative called Change the World.

The Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington United Way is the regional co-ordinator for Change the World, a program that encourages volunteerism among youth.

Bill Miklas, the Volunteer Services Manager for the KFL&A United Way, has been overseeing efforts in secondary schools throughout the region to encourage youth to participate in Change the World. The way the program works, young people who volunteer their services for anyone between April 21 and May 20 are encouraged to register with the program by filling in a form.

“Our goal is to have 1,000 individuals volunteer within the four-week window, for a total of at least 3,000 volunteer hours. The added benefit to students is that the hours count towards their 40-hour volunteer requirement for high school graduation,” said Bill Miklas.

By contacting student councils at most of the schools in the Limestone Board and getting them to take on the project, Miklas said he is confident the goal is going to be easily achieved.

The musicians, organizers, and those who helped by baking treats for the coffee house were all eligible to register for Change the World.

The United Way depends on volunteers, and Miklas said, “This is a great way for us to introduce a whole new generation to the benefits of volunteering and since NFCS is one of our partner agencies, it was a good fit for them to be involved.”

For their part, Sharbot Lake High School students were able to enjoy performances by their classmates, some of them accompanied by parents and friends.

“This is a great way for us to see another side of our students,” said one of the school’s teachers who was attending the coffee house. Over 20 students participated in the Coffee House, performing everything from alt-country to pop, heavy metal and rock ’n roll music.

For the NFCS youth program, the partnership with the high school bodes well for an enhanced relationship once the new school opens later in the fall.

“It is great for us to partner with the school and the United Way. It is good for everyone,” said Maribeth Scott from NFCS.

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