Operation Beaver offers volunteers

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Operation Beaver is an international program under the direction of Frontiers Foundation, a federally chartered non-profit organization, which supports the advancement of

disadvantaged communities across Canada and the Third World.

Sponsored by the Canadian Council of Churches, Operation Beaver began in 1964 as an ecumenical work program to provide assistance for the socially and economically deprived communities.

Four years later, Frontiers Foundation was incorporated to assume responsibilities for the administration and delivery of Operation Beaver. Since 1968, the foundation has

expanded the scope of its operations and services.

Operation Beaver's purpose is to support the needs and goals of the person, home, health, education, industry, transportation, communication and agriculture.

The program's western Canada coordinator, Wesley YoungChief, encourages Natives to become actively involved as volunteers to work on community-based development projects.

YoungChief worked for three months at Snowdrift in the Northwest Territories and another three and a half months at McDermit, Ontario under the voluntary service program.

"Volunteers go into the communities that require the program's services," said YoungChief. "And, it gives them (volunteers) a good feeling for spending time with the people and the community."

The program offers services such as building or renovating homes, community centres and schools. Volunteers also help to develop the community's infrastructures.

Over 2,000 volunteers have dedicated their services as 'community builders' in many areas on various projects (over 300) since the program's inception.

Volunteers (18 and over) with a strong desire to help others are invited to apply. Canadian project volunteers must be prepared to commit themselves for a minimum period of two months.

Those wishing to volunteer their services overseas must have previous experience with the program or be willing to spend a minimum of one month on a Canadian project.

Volunteer remuneration is provided with food, accommodation and travel. Extended volunteers will be entitled to an additional living allowance.

Resident communities and groups wishing to apply for Beaver participation with their projects should write to YoungChief at: 6745-124 Ave., Suite 4, Edmonton, Alta. T5B 4N5 or

call 477-1340.

Non-residents may apply to the program coordinator Marco Guzman at the national office: Operation Beaver Division 2615 Danforth Ave., Suite 203, Toronto, Ont. M4C 1L6 or call: (416) 690-3930.