OUR VOLUNTEERS
Our volunteers share a passion for children’s literacy, and work collaboratively with our team and community to help secure every County kid’s right to enjoy the benefits of their very own books. They fulfil a wide range of roles - from engaging with children and families at events and coordinating school visits to leading storytimes, ordering and delivering books, and so much more… there is never a dull moment for County Kids Read volunteers!
Join Us!
We are currently recruiting for several volunteer positions, including:
Community Event Volunteers
Book Room / School Visit Volunteers
Book Buddies (one-on-one Tutoring) Volunteers
Board Treasurer
If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please click here to access the Application Form. Alternative application methods are available - please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator Chara Gerow at programs@countykidsread.ca.
THANK YOU to all of our wonderful volunteers!
Jo Barnes
Mary Ann Brand
Veronica Cluett
Lynne Dickie
Nancy Nares
Jenn Gadzala
Jill Thompson
Sally Keefe Cohen
Natalie St. Pierre - Jubb
Joan Stacey
Lee-Ann Scott
Dominic Smith
Peggy Payne
Silvia Braney
Andie Wiens
Emily Clark
Brenda Franks
Linda Mason
Janet Gerry
Nicky Braund
Catherine O’Brien
Steve O’Brien
Duncan Payne
Bev Sharpe
"Reading has always been a huge part of my self-care. It has also been one of my most important parenting tools. Some of my most treasured memories are reading to my kids. Now that they're older, they read on their own. Reading is a skill and a gift that transports us into a different way of thinking and feeling.
I'm most proud to have the opportunity to be involved in a community initiative such as County Kids Read that promotes this way of being to our young leaders. It's such a joy to witness how excited the kids get or how grateful the parents are when the kids are being read to or when they are gifted with a book to keep. CKR truly is a gift that keeps on giving and is key in elevating our way of life in the County."
Jo Barnes - Mom, Reader, Community Advocate, Entrepreneur
STAFF
Andrea Dawes, Executive Director - Andrea has worked in both frontline and management roles in nonprofits for over 20 years. She has coordinated an immigration legal clinic in Montreal, worked as Special Initiatives Manager for the PEC Arts Council, and managed fund development and communications activities for County Kids Read for two years before becoming Executive Director. Andrea is the proud Mom of a 9-year old bookworm, and runs PecParents.ca, an online resource for County families. She holds a Master's in Public Administration degree from San Francisco State University and B.A. from McGill University.
Chara Gerow, Community Engagement Coordinator - Chara graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2018 with a Bachelors degree in Political Science, concentrated on Public Policy and Administration, and Speech Communication. Her focus has been on supporting local social policy programs that benefit and bring together community. Chara brings her experience of working with and coordinating rural volunteer driven social programs, such as the Valley Connector Program in Nova Scotia, as well as her joy of reading, and passion for equitable opportunity programs. She loves meeting new people and building community, and she is excited to be part of the County Kids Read team!
