COVID-19 - Become a volunteer: sign up online at jebenevole.ca

QUÉBEC, March 26, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity, Jean Boulet, is making a call for solidarity. All Quebecers are invited to lend a hand to community organizations in their region. The goal is to bring help swiftly to those who are most vulnerable.

Numerous community organizations have to maintain their essential services. Yet they are faced with a soaring need for volunteers. Many of those who were volunteers before the COVID-19 crisis are seniors of 70 and older. Now they have been ordered to stay home, to protect their health during the epidemic.

We cannot forget that in a crisis like this, the work of community organizations is vital to maintaining the social fabric. As social problems increase, there is a greater need for volunteers.

The Gouvernement du Québec has therefore established a partnership with the Fédération des centres d'action bénévole du Québec (FCABQ). The purpose is to bring together, in one place, all the organizations that need volunteers and all the Quebecers who would like to help.

Easy to use
All volunteer opportunities and the needs of community organizations are now brought together on a single platform, jebenevole.ca. This site is devoted exclusively to needs related to COVID-19. Opportunities are listed by region and city. In one click, you can find the right opportunity for you.

The website presents the needs of organizations along with the skills and profiles of the candidates they are looking for. Anyone who is interested can offer their help online and will be contacted shortly after.

Examples of volunteer activities include:

• friendly telephone calls to seniors
• accompaniment and transportation to hospital
• household help for seniors
• grocery service for disabled persons
• meal delivery to vulnerable seniors
• delivering medication to seniors

Those who would like to volunteer can sign up at jebenevole.ca.

Quote
"I ask everyone: get involved! You have the power to make a huge difference in people's lives. Even if just for one day, your contribution will mean a lot. We often hear that volunteering contributes as much to volunteers as to the people they help. The exceptional situation we are in demands that we all pull together, together we will get through this!"

Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity

Highlights

• The platform jebenevole.ca combines over 1,500 community organizations.
• Measures have been taken to ensure the security of volunteers and seniors.
• The site was put online by the Fédération des centres d'action bénévole du Québec (FCABQ).

The Government reminds everyone of the importance of limiting the spread of COVID‑19 by following these rules at all times:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based disinfectant if you do not have access to soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or a tissue if you cough or sneeze.
• If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible, then wash your hands.
• Avoid direct contact when greeting people, e.g. do not shake hands.

People who are concerned can call 1-877-644-4545 for more information.

For information on COVID-19, go to Québec.ca/coronavirus.

Follow the Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale on social media for information on its activities:

facebook.com/TravailEmploiSolidaritésocialeQuébec

twitter.com/Gouv_MTESS

linkedin.com/company/ministere-travail-emploi-solidarite-sociale-quebec

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale

Source: Caroline d'Astous, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister responsible for Mauricie, Tel.: [phone]; Information: Relations avec les médias, Direction des communications, Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, Tel.: [phone]

Related Links

https://www.mtess.gouv.qc.ca