WELCOME TO THE CAB

Thank you for your interest in the Centre d’action bénévole aux 4 vents as it is known in the community. Whether you are here to learn more about volunteering or to get information about one of our services, hope you find what you are looking for. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or drop by. We look forward to seeing you soon! Need more information? Call us at 450 539-2395.

OUR MISSION

◊ To promote volunteer work in different areas of human activity.

◊ To provide a response to the needs of our sector.

OUR THREE FIELDS OF ACTION

1. Support organizations in their development, promotion, and recognition of volunteerism

This field includes all actions that focus on the development, promotion, and recognition of volunteerism and how to support community volunteers in their engagement.

2. Community support

This field includes all the actions taken to offer services to individuals and support to organisations.

3. Governance and association life 

The Center must represent a model of ethical action for the community and must contribute to supporting organisations. It also must have a democratise governance that demonstrates the drive and vitality of its community life.

The CAB aux 4 vents serves Waterloo, Warden, Shefford et Saint-Joachim-de-Shefford.

OUR SERVICES

ACCOMPANIED TRANSPORT

This service is for autonomous or semi autonomous persons who cannot drive themselves to get to medical appointments. The driver/support person stays with you throughout the service.

Access to the service

Requirements :

  • Ages 65 and over
  • Convalescents
  • Persons with serious illnesses
  • Persons with intellectual handicaps
  • Persons with slight physical handicaps

A request must be made at least 48 hours in advance with Carolyne Huot, coordinator for elder services, at 450 539-2395 ext. 222. This allows her to book a volunteer and organize the transport.

How does it work?

The volunteer booked for the transport will contact you the day before, or early, the day of the transport. The volunteer will pick you up at your home at the agreed upon time and take you to your appointment in his car. If needed the volunteer can assist you with walking. However, volunteers are not trained to assist seriously handicaped persons or with important cognitive impairments. Their vehicles are not wheelchair adapted. The volunteer will stay with you at all times except during the appointment, test or treatment. Once completed the volunteer will bring you back home.

Cost : $0.43 /Km

You can get a receipt but it cannot constitute a tax receipt.

ACCOMPANIED ERRANDS

Are day to day outings difficult for you? A volunteer can help you with these; whether you are going to the bank, the pharmacy, the supermarket or elsewhere.

Access to the service

Requirements :

  • Ages 65 and over
  • Convalescents
  • Persons with serious illnesses
  • Persons with intellectual handicaps
  • Persons with slight physical handicaps

A request must be made at least 48 hours in advance with Carolyne Huot, coordinator for elder services, at 450 539-2395 ext. 222. This allows her to book a volunteer and organize the transport.

How does it work?

The volunteer booked for the transport will contact you, the day before, or early on the day of the transport. At the agreed upon time, he will go to your home and accompany you to a maximum of 4 places, in Waterloo, or in some cases, Granby.

If you are semi-autonomous the volunteer can help you to walk. However, the volunteers are not trained to assist serious handicaps and their vehicles are not wheelchair adapted.

The volunteer will stay with you throughout the errand and bring you back home.

Cost: $10.00 in Waterloo or $0.43/km outside Waterloo.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Do you like hot and tasty meals but it’s not easy to make them anymore?

Meals on wheels delivers meals cooked by a caterer with its devoted volunteers. Deliveries are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 11:00 a.m. and noon. These complete meals include a soup or salad, a main course and a dessert.

Access to the service

Requirements :

Age 65 and over or special needs

Must be booked through Carolyne Huot at 450 539-2395 ext. 222 at least 2 days before desired delivers. Delivery days can be personalized as well as the number of meals per day.

How does it work?

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. a volunteer delivers the meal to your home.

If you can’t be present, advise Carolyne Huot to make arrangements. You can leave a container or a cooler so the volunteer can leave the meal.

Cancelations need to be done before 9:00 a.m. to avoid being billed.

Cost: $6.50 per meal

Billing is done monthly on the first of the month. Payment can be by cheque or cash.

Tax receipts are available for clients over age 70.

No tipping allowed.

FRIENDLY LUNCH

You or someone close to you feel isolated? You are invited to join us and share a good lunch prepared and served by a team of devoted volunteers, followed by fun activities.

Access to the service

Requirements :

Age 65 and over

Register with Carolyne Huot at 450 539-2395 ext. 222.

  • Starting on the 27th of the preceding month for the English lunch.
  • Starting on the 20th of the preceding month for the French lunch.

Places are limited.

If gettingto the center is difficult, please tell us. We can arrange transportation.

How does it work?

The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. After the entree and main course, there are activities and prizes by the volunteers. Finally, dessert and coffee to end the lunch.

Cost : $5.00 per person

LOAN OF SECURITY EQUIPMENT

Ensure security through the loan of an emergency contact device 24 hours per day.

Access to the service

Requirements :

  • Ages 65 and over
  • Convalescents
  • Persons with serious illnesses
  • Persons with physical or intellectual handicaps

Request the service through Carolyne Huot, coordinator elder services. Upon appointment she will complete a form with you and discuss how the service works. You can choose between a bracelet or medallion. A land telephone line is required.

Carolyne Huot at 450 539-2395 ext. 222.

How does it work?

A volunteer will go to your home at your convenience to install the system. He or she will test the system using the buttons on the console and on the bracelet or medallion and remind you how the system works.

The loan of the device is free but a $50.00 deposit is required at the start.  It will be refunded upon return of the device.

Subscription costs of approximately $15.00 plus taxes per month are payable by you to your telephone company.

FRIENDLY VISITS AND CALLS

Need contact or a visit once in a while?  This service provides a break from solitude through calls or visits by a volunteer who will enjoy a friendly conversation with you.

Access to the service

Requirements :

  • Ages 65 and over
  • Convalescents
  • Persons with serious illnesses
  • Persons with physical or intellectual handicaps

Request the service through Carolyne Huot, coordinator elder services. She will discuss with you the best options for contacts at the Center or at your home. Then a volunteer will be assigned according to your preferences and interests.

Carolyne Huot at 450 539-2395 ext. 222.

How does it work?

The pairing allows the person called or visited to feel listened to, to talk, to develop a friendship and share activities like playing cards or games, exchange thoughts, take a walk, etc… Visits or calls depend on availability, usually once per week, and last about one hour.

Cost : free

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

  • Time to move and have fun.
  • Line and country dancing with a friendly group.

How to participate?

Simply go to the Royal Canadian Legion Hall at 77, Lewis Est in Waterloo. Available for all.

How does it work?

Couses are on Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Legion.

You complete a sign up form on your first day.

The courses are given by Jocelyne and Claude Vallée.

Cost : free

FORMS HELP

This is a personalized, confidential and free service designed to help and guide persons who need assistance and support with government forms and procedures.

Access to the service

Contact Lyne Isabelle, community worker for family services, at 450 539-2395 ext. 227 for an appointment at the Center.

Available for all. The Center is accessible to handicaped people.

How does it work?

Appointments are scheduled on Wednesday mornings each week.

A volunteer greets you in a room, ensuring confidentiality. He or she will examine your situation to understand your needs. To aid with the task, the volunteer has access to a computer, a photocopier, a fax machine, a phone line and a commissioner of oaths.

This is not a legal service.

Cost : free

INCOME TAX CLINIC

This service is available each year in March and April for free. It is given by a team of trained volunteers who can help at every stage of the process.

Who qualifies?

  • Single persons with income below $20,000
  • Couples with income below $25,000
  • Single parent families with 1 child with income below $25,000

Not eligble if

  • You are self-employed
  • You have rental income
  • You are in bankruptcy
  • You have interest income over $1,000

Access to the service

Contact Lyne Isabelle, community worker for family services at 450 539-2395 ext. 227 for information.

Come to the Center during working hours in March and April.

Bring all your papers and a volunteer will complete a registration form with you. When the reports are done you will have an appointment where a volunteer will give you your copies of the reports and forms and answer any questions.

The income tax reports are done by computer and transmitted electronically to the governments.

UNITED WAY SEPTEMBER PROGRAM

Through Centraide Richelieu Yamaska, the Center can offerfinancial aid to help low income families during the September  back-to-school return to school period. This favors the integration of children in their school and helps start the school year well.

Access to the service

For families that have difficulty paying for required school supplies.

Families must apply to school offices.

FOOD BANK

Food aid is for persons and families undergoing difficult circumstances : loss of employment, awaiting income (UI, CNESST,etc.), separation, illness, etc. When this help is requested we meet with you to assess your needs and situation and often refer you to other appropriate resources.

Access to the service

Persons or families in difficult financial situations.

A request must be made to Lyne Isabelle, community worker in family services.

You must meet admissibility requirements.

Contact Lyne Isabelle, community worker for family services at 450 539-2395 ext. 227 for information.

How does it work?

Interviews are by appointment on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons

Be on time and come with documents in support of your situation. Bring bags for your food.

You will be treated with respect and confidentiality.

Cost : free

COMMUNITY FRIDGE

The community fridge aims to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste. This service is available to all.

How does the community fridge work?

The community fridge is available for self-service Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is located in the Mouscafin laundry. People need to take only what they need for the day so that as many people as possible can benefit from it.

Contact Lyne Isabelle, community worker for family services at 450 539-2395 ext. 227 for information.

Cost : free

CAB COMMUNITY COOKING

Once per month a group of people get together to cook simple and nutritious recepies to take home. Through this activity, participants acquire basic culinary notions and abilities. This promates exchange, helpfulness and breaks social isolation.

Access to the service

The service is for people having temporary or permanent financial difficulties. Contact Lyne Isabelle, family services worker to make a request. In a personal meeting she will assess if you meet the requirements.

Contact Lyne Isabelle, community worker for family services at 450 539-2395 ext. 227 for information.

How it works?

The activity takes place one Thursday per month from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Three teams are made, each helped by a volunteer to prepare recipes. This encourages exchange and develops relationships.

Hygene and cleanliness rules are maintained according to directives from the MAPAQ. As a result of the activity, participants go home with,on average, six portions of the recipes.

SOLIDARITY GROCERY STORE

Our community focused grocery store is open every Wednesday afternoon from noon to 4:30 p.m. at 107, Lewis Ouest in Waterloo (entrance through the basement door on the parking lot side).

The goal of the store is to increase physical and economical access to fresh and nutritious foods. Also to foster educational activities that favor food independence, and to create a place for social integration and activities.

Access to the service

A membership card is required which you can purchase at the store during operating hours. Costs of membership cards : $2.00 or $10.00 depending on income category.

Store manager : Marie-Helene Tellier at 450 539-2395 ext. 231.

How does it work?

The store offers a vast inventory of non-perishable foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, dairy products, hygiene products, cleaning products and a selection of self serve items. Advantages include a chance to buy in small quantities and formats suited for couples or people living alone. It is also a place for social gatherings and exchanges in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Samplies and culinary workshops are also offered free.

LOAN OF ORTHOPEDIC APPAREL

The Centre d’action bénévole aux 4 vents offers temporary loans of orthopedic equipment for up to three months. Depending on the item loaned a deposit is required which will be refunded upon return..

Access to the service

Anyone who cannot get around independantly at home or by car.

Request the item through Isabelle Blais, responsible for communications and youth services.

Isabelle Blais at 450 539-2395.

How does it work?

A person will complete a loan form to get your personal information and will explain how the loan works. You will get a  copy of the form.

Available items :

$20.00 deposit :

  • Walker
  • Canes
  • Crutches
  • Toilet seat raiser
  • Comfort toilet chair
  • Shower stool or chair

$50.00 deposit

  • Wheelchairs
  • Hugo walker

COMMUNITY LAUNDROMAT

The Centre d’action bénévole aux 4 vents offers you a chance to do your laundry in a pleasant community laundromat, the Mouscafin. It is fully equipped with washers, dryers as well as coffee and an Internet station.

Access to the service

Located in the Center’s basement, it is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Except Friday afternoons in July and August. Available for all.

For more information, contact Isabelle Blais at 450 539-2395

Equipment and costs :

  • 3 standard washing machines $1.25 per load
  • 3 standard dryers $1.50 per cycle
  • Liquid detergent $0.75
  • Liquid softener $0.75
  • Sheet softener $0.25
  • Computer $2.00 per hour
  • Printer $0.25 per sheet
  • Coffee $1.00

Magazines and TV available.

BECOMING A VOLUNTEER

Do you want to contribute to your community? Volunteering is for you… in accordance with your interests and your availability.

Every act makes a difference!

Come join our dynamic team and contribute your skills and experiences. We support our volunteers and encourage the development and continuity of their actions to help maintain their commitment through time.

Why be a volunteer?

  • Feel useful, give meaning to your life.
  • Reduce isolation, create and maintain social bonds.
  • Gain new aptitudes and skills.
  • Improve your physical, social and mental health.
  • Play an active role in society and make a diffence.
  • Help with transitions : retirement, relocation, separation, mourning.

As a future volunteer, we’ll greet you warmly and meet with you establish your goals in relation to your commitment. During the interview, you can discuss your interests and availability in order to find the best fit among our services.

You will never feel you are left on your own. Until you are comfortable you will get training and support from your coordinator and an experienced volunteer as well as the Center’s personnel. The staff is always available to assist and answer questions as they come.

As a volunteer member you will be entitled to various trainings and recognition activities. We always recognize your contributions!

For more information, contact Carolyne Huot, coordinator for elder services, at 450 539-2395 ext. 222.

 

MAKE A DONATION

BIG OR SMALL, EVERY GIFT IS PRECIOUS. THANK YOU FOR CONTRIBUTING TO KEEP OUR SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES GOING.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE CENTER:

  • By cheque, our mailing address is 

Centre d’action bénévole aux 4 vents

107, Lewis Ouest, Waterloo, J0E 2N0

OTHER TYPES OF DONATIONS YOU CAN MAKE TO THE CENTER’S FOOD BANK :

Healthy school snacks

Non perishable food items

Hygiene products

Official receipts are available on demand for any donation over $10. We can also provide tax receipts for food or other items if you bring the store receipts.