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Soul – Resolutions Guide 2006

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Admit it. You’ve spent the last few weeks consuming – in more ways than one. Now it’s time to feed your soul, either by living responsibly, joining an organization or volunteering for an organization.

SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS

CHANDRAKIRTI BUDDHIST CENTRE Introductory meditation classes take place Tue and Wed evenings from 7-9 pm and Sundays 3-4:15 pm at 387 Parkside. 416-762-8033, www.MeditationInToronto.org.

CHRISTOS MCC A gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Christian group committed to loving and healing. 416-925-7924.

dHARMA FRIENDS This gay and lesbian Buddhist meditation group meets for sitting/walking meditation. For times, call 416-935-1759.

diamond way buddhist centre Introduction to Buddhism Mon and Wed at 8 pm, with meditation Mon and Wed 8:30 pm. By donation. 25 St Nicholas. 416-925-4494, www.diamondway.org/toronto.

dignity toronto A support group for lesbian and gay Roman Catholics that holds masses the fourth Sat of every month in the Sherbourne/Wellesley area. 416-925-9872 ext 2011.

emmanuel howard park united church The church of Radical Reverend Cheri Dinovo performed the first legalized same-sex marriage in 2001. It offers inclusive services Sundays at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. 214 Wright. cheridinovo.com.

HUMANIST ASSOCIATION Of TORONTO Devoted to promoting secular humanism as an alternative to religion. 416-966-1361, humanist.toronto.on.ca.

karma sonam dargye ling Tibetan Buddhist centre in the St Clair-Bathurst neighbourhood offering weekly practice. 86 Vaughan Rd. 416-653-5371.

ksdl tibetan buddhist temple Gyalwa Karmapa’s centre welcomes beginners and advanced students. 86 Vaughan. 416-653-5371, www.ksdl.org.

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH This spiritual community of gay-positive Christians holds Sun services at 9 and 11 am. 115 Simpson. 416-406-6228.

neighbourhood unitarian universalist congregation This liberal religious tradition offers Sunday services at 10:30 am, concerts, spiritual cinema, meditation and classes. 79 Hiawatha. 416-686-6809, www.nuuc.ca.

q-age A queer spiritual network for women and men holds retreats, workshops, potlucks and brunches. 416-925-9872 ext 2990.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS The Quakers hold services Sundays at 11 am. 60 Lowther. 416-921-0368.

RUAH Creation-centred Christian community of faith offering liturgies and retreats that emphasize spiritual growth and social justice. Ralph Thornton Centre, 765 Queen E. 416-469-4011.

salaam toronto A supportive community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered and questioning Muslims and their friends. 416-925-9872 ext 2209, salaam@salaamcanada.com, www.salaamcanada.com.

shamatha meditation Mindfulness awareness meditation and walking meditation practice. Beginners welcome. KSDL Tibetan Buddhist Centre, 86 Vaughan. 416-653-5371.

TENGYE LING TIBETAN BUDDHIST TEMPLE This temple holds weekly dharma discourse Tue at 7:30 pm. 11 Madison. 416-966-4656, www.tengyeling.ca.

TORONTO SHAMBHALA meditation CENTRE This Tibetan Buddhist centre offers free open meditation sessions Mon and Wed from 7 to 8 pm as well as free instruction. 670 Bloor W. 416-588-6465, www.shambhala.org/centre/toronto.

TORONTO ZEN CENTRE Full practice supports, activities and ceremonies for members plus public workshops. 33 High Park Gardens. 416-766-3400, torontozen.org.

UNITED JEWISH PEOPLE’S ORDER This secular progressive Jewish organization holds holiday celebrations and intergenerational programs at Winchevsky Centre. 585 Cranbrooke. 416-789-5502.

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO BUDDHIST COMMUNITY Located on the downtown campus, this centre offers Buddhist meditation. http://buddhist.sa.utoronto.ca.

WICCAN CHURCH OF CANADA This church holds rituals celebrating pagan spirituality. 109 Vaughan. 416-656-6564, tamarraj@sympatico.ca, www.wcc.on.ca.

ZEN BUDDHIST TEMPLE Meditation services are held Sun at 9:30 am and 4 pm and they offer medication courses and retreats. 297 College. 416-658-0137, www. zenbuddhisttemple.org.

VOLUNTEERING

ACTION VOLUNTEERS FOR ANIMALS AVA needs volunteers to foster sick and pregnant animals, transport animals or food, and visit people who need assistance with their pets. 416-439-8770, www.actionvolunteersforanimals.com.

aids committee of toronto (act) ACT always needs people to help out at its info desk, with HIV health promotion, job workshops, gay men’s outreach, in the library and more. Volunteer info sessions and skills training are offered. For details, call 416-340-2437 or go to www.actoronto.org.

ALEXANDRA PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE An adult literacy program is looking for volunteers to tutor in English, math and computers, with a minimum commitment of two hours per week for six months. Contact Ilyne Stubbs at 416-591-7384.

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF TORONTO Volunteers are needed to help out at the Walk for Memories on January 28. 416-322-6560, download application at www.alzheimertoronto.org.

amref canada An African-based NGO leading African health and research initiatives in Africa, AMREF is looking for energetic individuals to assist with office, outreach and the African Marketplace fundraiser on May 18. 416-961-6981, amref@web.ca, www.amrefcanada.org.

annex cat rescue ACR, a small local charity working with stray and feral cats, needs foster homes as well as help with feeding feral cat colonies, fundraising, telephone work and activity co-ordination. 416-410-3835, info@annexcatrescue.on.ca, www.annexcatrescue.on.ca.

art gallery of york university Become a volunteer at York’s fine art gallery by filling out an online application form at yorku.ca/agyu or drop by the gallery (Accolade East Bldg, 4700 Keele). 416-736-5169.

ASIAN COMMUNITY AIDS SERVICES ACAS, serving the East and Southeast Asian communities, needs volunteers for education/outreach, client support, translation and interpretation for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Call the volunteer co-ordinator, 416-963-4300 ext 25, vol@acas.org, www.acas.org.

BAYCREST CENTRE FOR GERIATRIC CARE The Baycrest Centre needs volunteers who can make a time commitment of six months or more in a variety of programs working with its senior population. 416-785-2500 ext 2572, www.Baycrest.org.

beat the street This Frontier College program is looking for daytime volunteers to work with street-involved youth through tutoring in literacy, GED preparation or basic computer skills. 416-979-3361, www.beat-the-street.org.

blind kids art This group devoted to teaching art to non-sighted children needs volunteer teachers, people to maintain its website, promoters and more. 416-821-2375, www.komtessa.ca/blindkidsart/volunteers.htm.

CANADA WORLD YOUTH Travel, learn, live and volunteer in communities in Canada and overseas. CWY offers international programs and internships to youth 17 to 24. 416-596-9702, www.canadaworldyouth.org.

CANADian blood services Canadian Blood Svs needs volunteers for customer service weekdays at Toronto and North York blood donor clinics. Call 416-313-4614 for details.

CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY CCS needs volunteers to drive its clients to cancer treatments. If you have a car and some time to spare during the week, please call 416-440-3330. Other volunteer opportunities with varying time commitments are also available.

CANADIAN CENTRE FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE Volunteers are needed to assist children survivors with homework, befriend survivors, offer ESL tutoring and provide interpretation services in a variety of languages. A two- to 12-hour per month commitment is required. Contact Paola Bresba at 416-363-1066 ext 22, tdremets@ccvt.org, www.ccvt.org.

CANADIAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION Are you interested in making a difference? The Canadian Diabetes Assoc needs volunteers. Contact Helena Seguin at 416-408-7153, helena. seguin@diabetes.ca, www.diabetes.ca.

CANADIAN FEED THE CHILDREN CFTC is an independent charity whose goal is to alleviate the impact of poverty on children. For more info and volunteer opportunities, visit www.canadianfeedthechildren.ca.

CANADIAN national institute for the blind Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to support the CNIB’s annual Crocus Campaign in February. Contact Kathy Dennis, 416-486-2500 ext 8247, kathy.dennis@cnib.ca.

CANADIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY If you have a free weekday, Toronto Region could use your driving expertise and compassion working with seniors as a volunteer driver, or if you want to help with disasters, volunteer on the Emergency Response Team. 416-480-2500.

canstage Volunteer as an usher or bar server, or join CanStage’s weekly daytime arts administration crew. They’re also looking for either set-up or strike volunteers for the Theatre Ball on Feb 2. 416-367-8243 ext 252, bobmccarthy@canstage.com, www.canstage.com.

caSEY HOUSE HOSPICE Casey House, which provides palliative and supportive care for people living with HIV/ AIDS, is looking for caring volunteers for a variety of services. Call Kim at 416-962-4040 ext 202 or visit www.caseyhouse.com.

CECIL COMMUNITY CENTRE Cecil always needs volunteers to tutor ESL, work at a youth drop-in, or, if you speak Cantonese or Mandarin, to assist in the library or help with children’s homework. Call Volunteer Services at 416-392-1090.

CENTRAL NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE This agency needs volunteers to visit isolated adults and accompany them to medical appointments. If you enjoy working with people and can commit to between two and four hours a week, call Chris at 416-966-8595, cstouffer@cnh.on.ca, www.cnh.on.ca.

community bicycle network CBN, working to stimulate, support and link a wide range of community-based bicycle initiatives in the city, needs volunteer administrative workers, bike mechanics, fundraisers, web people and writers/artists. 416-504-2918, volunteer@communitybicyclenetwork.org, http://communitybicyclenetwork.org.

DAILY BREAD FOOD BANK Daily Bread always needs survey volunteers over 17 and fluent in English to conduct questionnaires, agency advocates to work directly with people in food banks across the GTA as well as volunteers to help with special events, administration, truck driving and in the warehouse. Call 416-203-0050, or go to www.dailybread.ca.

DISTRESS CENTRES OF TORONTO Volunteers are needed 24/7 to answer calls from lonely, distressed or suicidal individuals. Comprehensive training provided. Call 416-598-0166 for more info.

Dorothy ley hospice Dorothy Ley is looking for volunteers in palliative care to listen, assist and comfort people and families facing life-threatening illness. New volunteers are offered palliative care training. 416-626-0116.

Downsview services to seniors This organization providing various services to the elderly in needs volunteer drivers with a car to deliver hot meals between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on at least one weekday. Call Joe Renda at 416-398-5510 ext 222.

ELECTRONIC COMMONS/ l’AGORA ELECTRONIQUE The not-for-profit national creative Web network needs volunteers for reporting, writing, data entry, open source programming, French translation and more. Everyone’s welcome and they provide training. Contact Fraser at 416-596-9533 ext 280, ecadmin@ecommons.net, ecommons.net.

esprit orchestra Canada’s premiere orchestra of new classical music offers volunteer opportunities for seniors to get involved in community outreach. Contact Elena, 416-815-7887, info@espritorchestra.com.

519 CHURCH COMMUNITY CENTRE The 519 needs volunteers to assist with delivery of its programs and services. Attend the next info session or check out www.the519.org for current openings. Contact 416-392-6878 ext 106 for more information.

fOODSHARE TORONTO FoodShare is looking for volunteer neighbourhood coordinators for the Good Food Box and people to help with the Field To Table Festival between now and Jun. 416-363-6441 ext 221, www.foodshare.net.

FRIENDS OF THE DON EAST Help protect and regenerate the Don Watershed through walks, cleanups, plantings and more. 416-657-2800, eco@fode.ca, www.fode.ca.

THE FRINGE Toronto’s largest theatre festival, happening Jul 5 to 16, needs volunteers who get to see amazing free theatre in exchange. 416-966-1062, volunteer@fringetoronto.com, fringetoronto.com.

frontier college Frontier College’s independent studies program needs literacy tutors to work one-on-one or in small groups with adults experiencing various challenges. Contact 416-923-3591, www.frontiercollege.ca.

Global aware canada Collective of journalists, photographers, writers, graphic designers, Web professionals and concerned individuals working toward environmental justice and social change. GlobalAware.ca.

GREENEST CITY Greenest City, working on projects to reduce pollution, improve energy efficiency and promote sustainable transportation, is looking for board members, Idle-Free ambassadors and a bookkeeper. 416-922-7626, info@greenestcity.org, www.greenestcity.net.

HAZEL BURNS HOSPICE This hospice providing end-of-life support to families in their homes needs visiting volunteers during daytime hours. Volunteers receive 30 hours of training and are asked to commit to a minimum of four hours a week for one year. Contact Robbie or Karen at 416-782-5915, hazelburns@sympatico.ca.

HIGH PARK nature centre Assist with children’s environmental education programs in High Park by lending a hand with curriculum-based school programs and weekend family programs. 416-392-1748 ext 6.

HIGH PARK VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM Assist with ecosystem restoration in High Park by taking part in seeding, weeding, planting and transplanting. For schedule call 416-392-1748 ext 1.

hospice toronto A hospice providing end-of-life care to people in their own homes needs volunteers to give emotional and practical support four hours a week, and complementary therapists (massage, reiki, therapeutic and healing touch, and reflexology), and special events volunteers. Call Jeanette at 416-364-1666 ext 24.

HUMANIZE toronto Get involved in working on campaigns around the issues of human rights, environment and real democracy. 416-760-3475, humanizetoronto@sympatico.ca, www.humanizetoronto.org.

JESSIE’S CENTRE FOR TEENAGERS This resource centre serving pregnant and parenting teens is recruiting volunteers to care for children in its nursery between 9 am and 5 pm Mon to Thu. Call Dawn, 416-365-1888 ext 222, volunteers@jessiescentre.org.

JUMP JUMP provides elementary schools in high-needs areas with volunteer math tutors to work one-on-one or in the classroom. Training provided. Contact Sudha Shrestha at 416-596-7716, www.jumpmath.org.

JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION This health organization is looking for volunteers for the Walk To Cure Diabetes (May 28), the Ride For Diabetes Research (Sept 15) as well as office admin all year round. 1-877-CURE 533, general@jdrf.ca, www.jdrf.ca.

L’ARCHE TORONTO Supporting adults with developmental disabilities, L’Arche is looking for volunteers for two to four hours a week or every other week to spend time building friendships with people or driving people to work placements. Contact Kathy Coleman, 416-406-2869 ext 24, kathy@larchetoronto.org.

LEAF (LOCAL ENHANCEMENT AND APPRECIATION OF FORESTS) This local group offers training sessions on how to help the urban forest in your own neighbourhood. Learn practical tree care skills and find out what planting programs are available for residents. January sessions being held. 416-413-9244, www.leaftoronto.org.

LESBIAN GAY BI trans YOUTHLINE Join Youthline’s volunteer board of directors, events planning or office team, or crew of peer support volunteers. 416-962-2232, volunteer@youthline.ca, www.youthline.ca.

mcluhan global research network is a free community learning network exploring the ideas of Canada’s media philosopher in monthly seminars, a web site and group projects. No degree required, just an open mind and helping hands. Contact Dr J, 416-596-9533 ext 280, admin@mcluhan.org, mcluhan.ca.

MEDECINS SAN FRONTIERES/DOCTORS without borders The world’s largest independent medical emergency aid organization is in need of experienced medical and nonmedical personnel to improve access to health care overseas. msf.ca.

mid-toronto community services This organization needs volunteers to deliver meals to people living with HIV/AIDS. Call Heather, 416-962-9449 ext 25.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF CANADA Volunteers are needed for the 2006 Super Cities Walk, Carnation Campaign, Golf Tournament, Bike Tours and Marathon Strides. Contact Marylynne at 416-922-6600 ext 2321, msvolunteers@mssociety.ca, www.mssociety.ca.

ontario nature/nature conservancy of canada Volunteer for nature by helping out with habitat restoration, trail maintenance and wildlife research Apr to Oct. Contact Marc Allan, 416-444-8419 ext 222, vfn@ontarionature.org.

OSTEOPOROSIS SOCIETY OF CANADA Volunteers are needed to perform various tasks or to help with fundraising events in Toronto. 416-696-2663, www.osteoporosis.ca.

parent education network This non-profit organization offers parenting classes toddlers to teens with a focus on positive discipline, parenting survival tools and solutions for family problems in the city’s west end. Volunteers are needed to assist with events. 416-255-8969, www.parenteducationnetwork.ca.

parkdale library The library’s Homework Help For Teens program needs high school grads who are patient, energetic, good at problem solving and fluent in English to help students ages seven to 12 with homework one night a week. 416-393-7686.

PEACE BRIGADES INTERNATIONAL PBI sends volunteer teams to accompany human rights defenders whose safety is threatened in civil conflicts in Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Indonesia and Nepal. For further details, call 416-324-9737, info@pbicanada.org, www.pbicanada.org.

PEGASUS COMMUNITY PROJECT Offering activities to young adults with developmental disabilities, this organization seeks volunteers to assist at swimming and craft classes, in the thrift shop and on its board of directors. Call Marie Perrotta at 416-691-5651.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF TORONTO A pro-choice agency, PPT provides individuals with a valuable and rewarding way to contribute to their community and to promote healthy sexuality. 416-961-0113 ext 501, www.ppt.on.ca.

portland place This supportive housing facility providing a home for marginalized people who have a history of homelessness is looking for volunteers able to commit to 10 hours to share their skills in cooking, crafts, yoga and more. 416-703-0652, programsppl@bellnet.ca.

pride toronto Not-for-profit LGBTTIQ that hosts and co-ordinates the Pride Week festival. Volunteers work year-round to make this community event happen. 416-927-7433, info@pridetoronto. com, www.pridetoronto.com.

ST CHRISTOPHER HOUSE This downtown west-end community agency needs volunteer drivers with a car to help seniors, children’s tutors, adult literacy tutors, friendly visitors for seniors and Portuguese-speaking volunteers with basic income-tax preparation skills. Call Jennifer at 416-532-4828 ext 105, www.stchrishouse.org.

ST FRANCIS TABLE A nonprofit restaurant in Parkdale, St Francis Table seeks community volunteers able to commit for six months or longer who are team workers and committed to social justice to help with food prep, serving, cleanup, office assistance and outreach. Call Brother Alan at 416-532-4172, sftable@capuchinoutreach.org, www.capuchinoutreach.org.

SCARBOROUGH WOMEN’S CENTRE This centre is seeking employed or self-employed women for its mentoring program supporting women who experience abuse and isolation or want to improve their English skills. scarboroughwomenscentre.ca.

SMILES FOUNDATION A grassroots NGO that fundraises for dental care and health education in the Dominican Republic, Smiles is looking for volunteers to help organize events and fundraise, and volunteer dental professionals to work in the Dominican. Contact Marta at 416-663-0445.

STREET HAVEN Street Haven at the Crossroads, serving homeless and socially isolated women, needs volunteers to assist with meals, organize recreation, and tutor. Contact Silvia at 416-967-6060, sthony@streethaven.com.

STorytellers school of toronto Volunteer for the upcoming 28th annual Toronto Festival Of Storytelling beginning Mar 31 at Harbourfront Centre and venues in the Bloor-Spadina neighbourhood. 416-656-2445, www.storytellingtoronto.org.

SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH (soy) A community development project working to improve opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, queer and questioning youth, SOY is looking for youth and adults to volunteer with the mentoring, Black Queer Youth, Newcomer Project, Fruit Loopz Youth Stage and more. 416-324-5077.

Task force to bring back the don Working to bring back a clean, green, accessible Don River Watershed. Volunteer activities include planting trees and maintaining naturalization sites. 416-392-1948, sgillis@toronto.ca, www.toronto.ca/don.

tORONTO ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERS Following training in environmental initiatives, volunteers 14 and up promote the city’s waste diversion, water efficiency and air quality programs to residents. No experience is necessary. 416-397-4838, tevwes@toronto.ca, www.toronto.ca/tev.

TORONTO PEOPLE WITH AIDS FOUNDATION Dedicated to promoting the self-sufficiency of people living with HIV/AIDS, the foundation needs volunteers for administration, reception, massage and other complementary therapies, and the Speaker’s Bureau. Call the volunteer coordinator at 416-506-1400.

TORONTO WILDLIFE CENTRE Volunteers are needed to assist with the care of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals including foster homes and emergency drivers (with vehicle), and in administration, fundraising and the education program. They’re also looking for skilled help with an ongoing renovation project. 416-631-0662, torontowildlifecentre.com.

toronto zoo The zoo is looking for volunteers interested in wildlife, conservation and education to provide visitor info and act as student zoo ambassadors. Training provided. Call volunteer services, 416-392-5942, www.torontozoo.com.

tRAVELLERS AID SOCIETY An agency that offers city info and crisis assistance to visitors seeks outgoing, articulate individuals with a knowledge of the city to run info booths in four-hour weekly shifts. Training is provided. 416-366-7788, www.travellersaid.ca.

tropicana community services This Scarborough agency needs volunteers to tutor in math and language arts as well as instructors in chess and steel pan. 416-439-9009.

VOICES OF POSITIVE WOMEN Help support women living with HIV/AIDS in various capacities. Call Denise Jackson, 416-324-8703, www.vopw.org.

volunteer centre of toronto This online self-referral service matches up would-be volunteers with organizations needing help. www.volunteertoronto.on.ca.

WHITE RIBBON campaign White Ribbon Campaign for men against violence against women needs volunteers to fundraise and for office work. Media experience is helpful. 416-920-6684, info@ whiteribbon.ca, www.whiteribbon.com.

WOMEN’S COUNSELLING, REFERRAL and EDUCATION CENTRE WCREC requires volunteers able to make a one-year commitment in direct client service, updating resources and board members with counselling, community, legal, fundraising and accounting background. Call Chris Rahim at 416-534-8458 ext 229.

WOODGREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE Because everyone deserves the essentials of life, make a difference in the community by volunteering. 416-469-5211 ext 1109, volunteer@woodgreen.org, www.woodgreen. org.

WORKING SKILLS CENTRE This community-based training agency for immigrant women needs volunteer tutors for four hours a week and communication resource volunteers with a background in Web design, marketing or desktop publishing. Contact volunteer co-rodinator. 416-703-7770, www.workingskillscentre.com.

YOnge street mission Volunteers are needed the week of Jan 23 to 27 for the annual clothing drive located in downtown’s towers to set up displays, collect donations and hand out coupons between 7:30 am and 4 pm. Contact Bonnie Groome at 416-929-9614 ext 231, pr@ysm.on.ca.

QUIT SMOKING

CENTRE FOR addiction and mental health CAMH’s nicotine dependence clinic offers weekly individual and group counselling at three locations. For assessment appointment, call 416-535-8501 ext 6128.

NICOTINE ANONYMOUS 12-step smoking cessation program providing free group support and weekly meetings. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell. 416-487-8988.

smokers’ helpline Canadian Cancer Society’s confidential one-to-one info, advice and support in French and English. Mon-Thu 8 am-9 pm, Fri 8 am-5 pm, weekends 9 am-5 pm. Free. 1-877-513-5333, www.cancer.ca/smokershelpline.

TORONTO PUBLIC HEALTH Butt out for 2006 with help from Toronto’s Quit Smoking support groups and programs. Counselling and physician consultations are among the options. Various locations in TO. 416-338-7600, www.toronto.ca/health/quit_smoking.htm.

ymca substance abuse program Individual nicotine counselling for youth Harm reduction approach. 485 Queen W. 416-504-1710 ext 206.

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