125
Fall 2012
Escarpment Magazine
The growth of BVO volunteers - measured in knowledge and ex-
perience as well as numbers - has been phenomenal since the or-
ganization’s beginning almost thirty years ago. Today over two
hundred volunteers, working with a staff of approximately fifteen
people and a hands-on Board of Directors, generously offer their
time and talents to deliver twenty vital programs and services to
residents of the community.
The evolution of Beaver Valley Outreach can best be described
as “organic”. Through the years, the organization has been
guided by visionaries who looked ahead and created a path for
BVO. They have identified gaps in social services, initiated pro-
grams to meet community needs, recognized the need for a per-
manent headquarters, and secured funding through grants and
innovative fundraising.
Most notable of these visionaries were: BVO Chair Joan Ives
Coleman, a voice of compassion, integrity and kindness that
grounded the organization; Riley Brethour, a Board member and
generous man who believed in BVO and recognized its power
to do good in the community; and Norine Baron, current Chair of
the BVO Board of Directors, who was instrumental in establishing
BVO’s first Board.
Filling the gaps in community and social services has always been
a primary mandate at Beaver Valley Outreach. In the early days,
that meant focusing on essential programs such as before and
after-school care, a breakfast club for school children and emer-
gency and referral services for young and old alike. More re-
cently, led by Executive Director Carolyn Letourneau, BVO
stepped up to take over two important children’s programs which
were no longer able to operate on their own: a summer day camp
and a daycare facility.
BVO Summer Fun Day Camp, now in its third year, offers children
activities, games, crafts and a weekly bus trip on weekdays
throughout the summer months, with a subsidy available for qual-
ifying families. BVO Preschool offers licensed childcare in a nur-
turing, play-based environment for children aged 18 months to
five years.
For almost 30 years, the volunteers, staff and Board members of
Beaver Valley Outreach have been working diligently to provide
important programs and services to residents of The Blue Moun-
tains. Today, BVO is well-known and respected, touching the lives
of many in the community. It is a grassroots organization that lives
by the spirit of its visionaries, the hard work and generosity of its
leaders, the confidence of its supporters and the kindness of its
personnel.
For information on BVOprograms, services & events, and to learn
how to donate to BVO or become a volunteer, call 519-599-
2577
or visit
www.bvo.ca
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Did You Know?
In 2011/2012:
•
Breakfast Club served more than 8,400 nutritious
breakfasts to students at Beaver Valley Community
School.
•
Recreational Funding helped over 60 children
participate in recreational activities.
•
Kids Club provided before and after school
activities for 80 students.
•
BVO Preschool provided licensed childcare for 55
families.
•
Emergency Services helped 290 people with
emergency food & clothing.
•
Transportation provided over 200 drives for
medical, dental, parenting & other appointments.
•
Treasure Shop offers a huge selection of high-qual-
ity clothing for men, women and children plus quality
household goods – at reasonable cost. Item donations
welcome - 64 Bruce St. South in Thornbury
a good cause to support