One person’s chore can be another’s path to self-fulfillment.
While at first glance this may seem like a stretch, consider that the chore in question is the tying of tens of thousands Waste Watch tags, and the self-fulfillment claim seems even more difficult to grasp.
But, for dozens of clients of Tremploy – a Charlottetown non-profit organization dedicated to providing learning and support services for adults with varying levels of ability – self-fulfillment and the sense of a job well done is exactly what they receive from their service to IWMC.
“Everyone wants to feel valuable,” explained Brent Gallant, development officer for Tremploy. “What may be monotonous for some, others really look forward to.”
Mr. Gallant said the Tremploy clients who prepare the Waste Watch tags are always eager to see a new batch of tags arrive. He said most people know someone who has received one of the tags, a situation which lends some familiarity and a greater sense of value to what they are doing.
“It’s an important job, and they see it as an important job,” he added. “They are quite fussy about what they do – the loop has to be perfect.”
Since June, 2003, Tremploy clients have tied almost 105,000 tags for IWMC. Corporation CEO Gerry Moore said the service provided by the people at Tremploy is extremely valuable because the tags allow the corporation to communicate directly with Islanders and provide current information about the Waste Watch program.
“These tags have included everything from general information about the program to Christmas tree pickup information to notification regarding changes in pickup times,” Mr. Moore said. “It’s an important part of our overall effort to keep Islanders informed about the program and the Tremploy clients do a great job.”
“The fact that they benefit from the work they do for IWMC is a bonus for us. We’re very grateful for the work they do, and I’m pleased they enjoy doing it.”
Close to two-million inches of string has been tied by Tremploy clients since 2003, Mr. Moore said, enough to stretch from Kensington to Charlottetown - a total of 48 kilometers.
In addition to the benefits accrued by 40 to 50 Tremploy clients who participate in each job, the organization as a whole also reaps the rewards of its association with IWMC. As a non-profit organization, resources can be tight and as Mr. Gallant explained, every little bit helps.
“The money goes back into programs and equipment, into vocational programs or life-skill programs, wherever it’s needed,” he said. “Some also goes directly to the clients, so it’s all a big help.”
Mr. Gallant said Tremploy appreciates its association with IWMC, and it’s one he hopes continues well into the future.
“If the clients enjoy it, and in this case they really do, we have an obligation to ensure it continues,” he said. “We have a great relationship with IWMC and we very much appreciate their business and support.”