One of the most exciting things that comes from placing volunteers in the lives of children happens when a volunteer shares their talent or skill or special interest with a child or group of children. Suddenly the world as they know it gets a bit bigger.

One example of this tiny transformation happened before the snow began to fall in Edmonton. Marty Yanishewski has been volunteering at our West Club every week for nearly 10 years. Usually Easter is a special time for West Club because Marty is a talented at making pysankay (Ukrainian Easter eggs) and will lead the kids in creating their own tiny masterpieces. This year, Marty decided he wanted to make the beginning of Fall special too. He decided to teach the kids about gold panning.

Throughout all of September, he taught the kids the tricks, techniques, and history behind gold panning. On October 21, 2014, Marty and his small group went to Emily Murphy park to put their skills to the test.

Aside from gold panning, the kids enjoyed Edmonton’s autumn weather; they rolled down the orange and red leaf covered hill. One girl was particularly excited as she told Marty that it was her first time going down to the river!

The group was able to end the day with a bonfire complete with roasted hotdogs, marshmallows, and campfire songs.

We are so grateful to Marty, and to all our volunteers who take time out of their busy lives to spend their time and talents with our kids!