"Selling" tags to support seniors programs in Prince Edward County takes the commitment of many volunteers, 57 to be exact. $3,804.91 was realized for Prince Edward Community Care from this one day effort. Setting a goal of raising $3,333.33, organizer Joan Thissen was thrilled that the target was exceeded and then some.

With donation boxes around their necks the 57 volunteer taggers were stationed throughout Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington, taking shifts canvassing in each location. "The most important thing is to have enough taggers to cover all the locations" commented Joan Thissen.

Jennifer Siggens, ArtWorks participant & Community Care volunteer sells a tag to
Liz Hickey for Prince Edward Community Care's Tag Day on June 24th. 
A record $3,804.91 was raised during this one-day event.

This year Community Care received the support of the ArtWorks participants as they enthusiastically took on shifts as volunteer taggers. For some of the 7 people it was their first time as a volunteer and they were amazed at how nice everyone was and how generous people can be. Tiffany Stewart said "it was my first time volunteering. I used to always walk by and not donate. It was different to be on the other side. I smiled so much my jaw hurt! I will definitely volunteer again."

Long-time volunteer organizer, Joan Thissen, was assisted this year by Liz Hickey who took on recruiting the volunteers for Wellington. These two volunteers telephone the taggers, arrange the roster for each of the 17 locations, and collect the money throughout the day. Never one to sit idle, Joan spends the rest of the year putting the strings on thousands of tags.

"We want to thank the businesses that gave us permission to canvass in front of their stores" commented Debbie MacDonald Moynes, executive director of Prince Edward Community Care.

The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association supports seniors to live independently at home. Services include Meals on Wheels, escorted transportation to medical appointments & shopping, nutrition and reassurance programs, caregiver support and respite, homemaking, yard work and home maintenance. The agency is partly funded by the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care through the South East Local Health Integration Network and supported by donations and community fundraising efforts.

For more information call Prince Edward Community Care at 613-476-7493