Who are we?
The Centre d’action bénévole Saint-Siméon/Port-Daniel is an autonomous community organization, recognized as a charitable organization, founded on August 30, 1985—40 years of volunteer and community service!
It is a group of people committed to social and human progress, as well as a democratic forum for discussion and collaboration. The Volunteer Center is an essential resource for the community and brings together approximately 150 active volunteers.
Our mission
To promote and develop volunteerism across various sectors of human activity by fostering opportunities for volunteer engagement around social, community, and humanitarian issues that affect the people in our territory.
According to the Fédération des Centres d’action bénévole du Québec, the Center’s activities fall into three categories:
1. Support for organizations in the development, promotion, and recognition of volunteer work;
2. Community support;
3. Governance and community life.
Our guiding principles
- Volunteers are the heart of the mission of a volunteer centre.
- The Centre facilitates and encourages volunteer work within the community.
- The Centre involves its volunteers in the internal changes of our organization and consults them regarding the implementation of services.
- The services consider the diversity of our community.
- The services we offer to individuals are, as often as possible, provided by volunteers who act freely and free of charge.
- Providing and developing services that meet the needs of the community.
- The paid employees of the Centre are essential resources to ensure the proper functioning and the development of the Centre in the community.
- The Centre meets the criteria for autonomous community action.
Our philosophy of action
Volunteer work, which is recognized, encouraged and valued by the Centre, is an invaluable social need. Therefore, the Centre encourages voluntary action as a resource to meet its needs and to improve the quality of life in our community. For the Centre, volunteer work is a great way to promote personal and social development and increases social awareness of the community taking care of its members.
Volunteering differs from other types of social actions because the services are done for free. Therefore, the volunteer is always free to choose which clientele they would like to help or serve, which activities they would like to take part in. They are free to share their experiences and skills, without a long-term commitment. Among the values conveyed by the centres are: justice, sharing, development, mutual aid, dignity, and solidarity.
People reached by the Centre
- The elderly;
- Persons with disabilities;
- Sick persons;
- Vulnerable persons;
- Families in difficulty;
- Children 0-6 years old;
- Community organizations;
- Volunteers;
- The population of the territory;
- Etc.
The territory served
The Centre serves ten municipalities located inclusively between Saint-Siméon and Port-Daniel. The population reached by the Centre is 12,722.
