Community Involvement: Volunteering Made Easy!

Oct. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Launched in late April of 2012, the GiveAHand volunteering web tool (available at www.giveahand.ca) is intended to help organizations and people in any community receive help from volunteers.  This system truly helps give back to the community at large, as it fosters and supports involvement from the young to seniors.  Individuals and a broad range of organizations in Canada and the United States, including churches, schools, community groups, service clubs and businesses, will find the GiveAHand web tool useful and enjoyable.

GiveAHand is a no-cost tool for the end user, and allows not-for-profit organizations and community groups to post opportunities online, outlining their volunteer needs for a specific date, or for an on-going basis.  Volunteers may register and find suited opportunities. Those who register, have the choice to receive weekly emails to view current volunteer opportunities!

Contrary to popular belief, helping people in need is not an easy task.  It takes commitment that is fuelled by people with passion and a sense of purpose.  Many people want to make a difference in their community but don’t know where to start -  that’s what initiated the GiveAHand effort!  GiveAHand is a forum where the needs of the community are listed, and those able to help can volunteer their time.  “It takes people to help people and we understand that organizations depend on volunteers.  That is why we are pleased to introduce GiveAHand.ca,” said GiveAHand spokesperson John Kapteyn.  

The GiveAHand system was developed and created through a partnership between the Regional Synod of Canada, Reformed Church in America (based in Hamilton, Ontario) and Sandbox Software Solutions Inc. (based in Guelph, Ontario).  The partnership bloomed when Sandbox Software was approached by Rev. John Kapteyn, Executive Secretary of the Regional Synod of Canada, asking for assistance in creating a robust web tool that could address real societal need.  “The team at Sandbox Software Solutions custom-built this web tool in order to meet the specific needs outlined, but also as  a way to take an active part in helping those in need in our own community”, said Devin Gauthier, Chief Operating Officer of Sandbox Software Solutions Inc.

Among the advantages, the GiveAHand web tool is intended to engage people in volunteer opportunities that match their interests, supporting, in many cases, their needs to complete community service as part of high school graduation requirements.  

Said Gauthier, “Giving back to the community is important, and this system will aid our society as a whole.  The opportunities presented through the use of the GiveAHand system will not only enable those who want to volunteer their time, but those who are in need as well.”

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About The Regional Synod of Canada (RSC)

The Regional Synod of Canada (RSC) is one of eight regional synods in the Reformed Church in America, the oldest continuous protestant denomination in North America. The RSC, with churches from British Columbia to Quebec, provides spiritual and practical support to leaders, congregations and classes.

Our Vision states that we are called by God to mobilize the classes, churches, pastoral leadership, and laity into mission, helping them to transform God-given dreams into reality. We mobilize the church by preparing the church and providing resources for mission. Mission. It includes:

• Deepening our own faith and commitment.
• Sharing the message of God in word and deed.
• Reaching out in love both locally and abroad.

About Sandbox Software Solutions:

Sandbox Software was founded in 2004 by two students nearing the end of their studies at the University of Guelph.  Since then, Sandbox Software has grown into an organization which offers intuitive, scalable and quality custom software and web solutions that address real process challenges faced by both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.  Sandbox offers solutions including custom software, mobile device applications and functionally sophisticated websites.

For more information:

John Kapteyn
Executive Secretary
GiveAHand
Regional Synod of Canada
Reformed Church in America
Mobile: 289-237-4774

Paislie Armstrong,          

Sandbox Software Solutions

paislie@sandboxsoftware.ca

(519) 821-8866 X232

www.sandboxsoftware.ca  | www.giveahand.ca