MISSISSAUGA NEWS - PLASP HONOURS VOLUNTEERS
By Jan Dean, May 2, 2012

You can tell a lot about an organization by how it treats its volunteers. 

What you learn about PLASP is that growing programs haven't gotten in the way of valuing individuals. PLASP recognized the contributions of more than 1,000 volunteers and student placements at a dinner held last week at the Mississauga Convention Centre. It was the 30th such event for PLASP, originally known as the Peel Lunch and After School Program. 

Today, PLASP runs child care progarms in 184 schools in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Bolton and Etobicoke, plus 20 child care centres in Mississauga and Brampton. 

It also draws and values excellent volunteers. The April 26 event honoured two five-year vounteers, Ria Oommen and Laura Ferreras, who last year received 2011 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. 

Oommen, 18, is a Mississauga resident who has put in more than 321 volunteer hours with PLASP since August 2006 when she was in grade 8. 

She continued volunteering all through her years at Port Credit Secondary School, and now that she's finishing her first year of life sciences at McMaster University, she's heading back for more time at PLASP.

Working with kids has been an amazing experience for her. 

"I come in and they scream my name and run for a hug," says Oommen. 

But it's not just connecting with the children that makes it special. 

"People at PLASP are super helpful," she says. "Miss V, (Oommen's program director, Veselina Popova-Gyozova) makes the program so much fun. I feel so much a part of it." 

Something else she likes is the unique recognition event given to volunteers. 

"I'm really grateful, as anyone would be, to be recognized," she said. 

Ferreras, 23, attended PLASP as a child. She says volunteering at PLASP has reinforced her desire to work with children. 

She started helping PLASP to acquire volunteer hours she needed to graduate from the psychology and concurrent education teacher program at York University. The former Holy Name of Mary high school student has put in more than 463 hours at PLASP. She graduates from her university program in June.

"Kids have almost a family relationship in PLASP," says Ferreras.

More importantly, for someone who plans a career working with children, she's learned a lot. She credits program director Angela Somerville with showing her how to find creative ways to engage children with crafts, games, or even snacks.