Have you considered posting a notice at a local employment centre?  When I was a student looking for a job, there were often postings from people who wanted lawns mowed, gardens planted, dogs walked, etc. 

Check out this website to find your local Service Canada Centre for Youth: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/hr-search.cgi?cmd=home&dsp=sccy&ln=e. They have a program called The Odd Job Squad which matches potential employers with short-term jobs like Seeler with students who are looking for work. I registered with them for several summers and would call in on days when I was looking for work. Mostly I would do a few hours cleaning or gardening for someone at minimum wage, but I got one or two longer term positions through it also. It's a worthwhile program for students and people who need a little extra help for some reason.

I know that in Ontario, high school kids have to perform 40 hours of community service to graduate. I think these jobs would be a great way for high school kids to get these hours!

At my high school, people from the community would call student services or bring in little job postings, and students could go to that individual's house and do jobs like lawn work and dog walking to make up for their 40 hours. If a student doesn't have family who affiliates with a church or other organization, it may be difficult for them to get involved somewhere for community hours. Many opt for helping out neighbours :)

It's wonderful that you are thinking of hiring students. Props to you. Just how young do these "young people" have to be? Are you open to hiring mature students? We need work too.

MorningCalm, interesting that you pick up that Seeler used the term 'young people' (especially since she is referring to people who cannot do what they used to due to aging) but not that she thinks that Mr. Seeler

Why not a strong woman?

Maybe you don't pick up on this because you personally are not being discriminated against in a negative manner?

Seeler, at the end you state why not ...

I'm assuming this was rhetorical, but I can tell you why not.  This isn't the type of experience many young people are looking for or would be beneficial towards their career paths.  I took on many jobs as a summer student which were fairly low paying but provided experience that would be more highly regarded career-wise.  True, work experience is better than no work experience if students are unemployed but they might be trying to stay available for a more applicable job.  Depending on the career, even retail positions tend to be regarded more positively because it's more 'formal' employment.

We had a community newsletter when I was living with my parents, and people frequently advertised local businesses and odd jobs within it.  I very briefly had a thought about advertising for babysitting, and my mom immediately rejected it.  I was only allowed to babysit for families that she knew well.  Anytime you are entering someone's home this is a good idea, for safety.  I know I would not be comfortable going into a stranger's home to help them with a computer, or to go to a cottage with them.

Finally, many young people are unable, or unwilling to do certain manual labour type jobs.  I have never cut the grass because of my allergies.  I would not accept an outdoor job partially because of allergies but also because I would not want to be out in the rain, heat, or sun all day.  Heat stroke, painful joints, a sunburn or the rash from wearing sunscreen frequently would not be worth the money I could make.

Indeed, why not. You're right in saying that I missed that one. My bad.

That statement does discriminate me, depending on Mr. seeler's definition of "young." However, I do get what you're saying in that I'm not a woman. Point taken.

Thanks for your suggestions people. 

Not in order:

Morning Calm - you are right, as is Chemgal - for helping with the roof I should have said 'strong person who can put in a day's heavy work and is not afraid of heights (the reason I've never helped with a roofing job - its hard to pass somebody a hammer when you are hanging on with all four limbs).  

But certainly Morning Calm - if you were able and willing to help Mr. Seeler with the roofing job that needs doing this summer, we would be glad to have you.  Provide your own transportation and I will serve good hardy meals.  We could even put you up for a couple of nights if you needed it. 

I would be willing to provide references for any person working in my home or cottage.  Mr. Seeler has a up-to-date police check, which he needs for driving a taxi.    I would probably also want references from a young person if I didn't know them.  In this relatively small city we usually know somebody who knows somebody.  

But Morning Calm - many of the jobs I listed would only be for a few hours and some I would probably pay by the job rather than the hour.   And, let's face it, if I could afford to hire a gardener's services, I probably wouldn't be looking for an inexperienced teenager to work beside me for a couple of hours, pulling weeds, spading around plants, trimming around the walkway.  But if you would like to bicycle over and spend a few hours helping me tomorrow morning, I'll provide you with all the lemonade or coke you can drink and pay you ten or fifteen dollars cash (which probably works out to minimum wage after deductions).  

 Chemgal - I certainly wouldn't expect anyone who gets a job offer for the summer, in a field she is interested in, to turn it down to come and help me with my computer.  I'm thinking more of the person who has 75 applications out, and no leads, no interviews, who would be sitting at home otherwise, and who needs money for the movies this weekend, or to buy some clothes for the fall term.  I wouldn't even mind if they brought their cell phone, and if they got a call to come and interview for their dream job, I'm sure I wouldn't try to prevent them from following it up.  

Not all jobs lead to a career - some may just help a young person to know what they don't want to do for the rest of their lives.  On the other hand, if they hope to become a roofer or a carpenter - helping to put on a roof might be the thing.  If they want to become a painter - I've got some cellar steps that need doing.  If they want to work with computers -

Seelergirl's first job was as working for someone we knew through the church.  She spent the day at their house with their 12 year old boy and 7 year old girl - swimming in their pool with the kids, making them a lunch meal, taking the girl to the library or the park, and sometimes doing a bit of light housework.  She was 15 and we wouldn't sign permission for her to work in fast food. 

Granddaughter, at 14, would love to work for someone for a few hours a day, or a day or two a week - just not her grandparents.   She already does quite a bit of babysitting for neighbours and for friends of her parents.  And sometimes she sits her little brother.   She will also be volunteering to help out at the church VBS which will give her experience working with children (maybe a daycare helper when she is 16 - or eventually a teacher).  

I think one of the issues for high school and university students is that they are looking for as many hours as they can get.

Certainly if they are self motivated they can start up a general "fix it business" but it can be a lot of work looking for jobs.

So far this spring i have had 4 students come by my home, canvassing for painting, lawn care, handyman jobs.  i imagine they have to log a lot of miles to get enough work.

Secondly, helping an older person can be great, but most young people have no tools so need to rely on the older person to supply them.  Seeler, i am sure mr seeler has them, but for others not so much.  And of course, as a homeowner, I need to know that the painter i am hiring actually knows how to paint.........

However, I think if you post a sign in the grocery store or community bulletin board looking for one or two  people to help and also the extra benefit of learning how to put on a roof, you might get some nibbles

I did the odd job thing one summer when I was having problems finding a steady summer job. However, I was putting in as much time finding the odd jobs as doing them (and you don't get paid for looking) so once a steady summer job came up, I gave up on the odd jobs.

My high school used to do what was then called a "Slave Day" (I'm assuming they've found a better name now). Students could get a day off if they lined up a job for that day. The money went to the school. I used to gardening for my parents. Not sure if there are any fundraisers like that in your area and it wouldn't help with the roof, but might with the garden and the PC.

Also, keeping in mind MC's point about not limiting it to "young people", might there be unemployed adults in the community who might be able to help, esp. with the roof?

Alas, we don't live in NB and Little Mendalla is a bit young to be doing roofing, else I'd send him over (and probably come along myself).

Mendalla

I'm not too concerned this year about the roof.  Mr. Seeler has friends and connections.  He will find someone - the village near out camp recently had its sawmill (biggest employer) shut down so there are lots of unemployed people who might like a day or two to work.  

I just started this thread when granddaughter mentioned that she would like to work this summer, and I thought of all the random jobs that I, and probably other seniors could offer to students.    Skilled labour is expensive and hard to come by.  Most of the jobs we have do not require advanced skills.   Some money is surely better than none.  A short term job is surely better than lying around the house feeling bored.  

Along the lines of your thinking seeler - some years ago our church youth did an annual fundraiser - "Hire a Hip" (their group was called The Liturgically Hip) .  Every kid in the group teamed up with at least one other (for safety reasons) & offered services of their choosing - then, silent auction style, congregation members 'bid' for their workers.  Kids did everything from organize & supervise a kiddies birthday party to cleaning out crawl spaces & garages, to providing baking for an event, helping with heavy cleaning, repairing lawnmowers, etc.  It was great to see all the things they came up with - and a real win-win for the congregation.   Not only were funds raised for our youth ministry & work accomplished; some lasting intergenerational connections were made.

Carolla - I really like that idea! What a neat way for the kids to make connections with older members of the church. In addition to raising money, I'll bet most of them had a lot of fun too!

Oh  - and I also like the name of the youth group - very clever! It reminds me of youth and young adult music group that I used to be involved with at my church - we were called, "Definitely Not the Sanctuary Choir."

Seeler, if you do decide you'd like to hire someone you might have an easier time if you go through someone you know, maybe you know someone out of work or the parents of a high school student (if you want someone older than your granddaughter), or your daughter might. That helps with some of the security issues that goes with entering someone's home, which does go both ways.  It's not just physical issues either, than can be accusations that can go either way.  Unfortunately it is necessary to be careful when hiring someone to work in your home or when working in someone else's home.

That's cool!

We just moved into this new subdivision with mostly seniors. Junior Anteater (almost 16) got the job to mow the lawn of all the townhouses that haven't sold yet for $25 a lawn- more than what he usually would get. He also did six hours of painting for the owner, who has a heart condition.

The whole subdivision enjoys watching him and tells me (and him) what a good worker he is, so it's really good for his self esteem.

That's awesome Mrs.Anteater!

Really great Mrsanteater.  I imagine the seniors love having a young person around and he is earning money doing meaningful work.  What more could you ask!

That is a great job for a teen.

He coudl add taking out their garbage first thing in the mornings as many seniors have trouble moving the big bins around.

And snow shovelling in winter.  Sounds like he is set for part time jobs

Thank you.   

Not me, I'm booked solid. Plus which roof work would be too hot for me. I might go into a seizure up there. But please, if some other mature student comes knocking, don't say no just because of their age.

Bicycle over? I thought you lived in NB. Now, if you were willing to pay the cost of VIA, perhaps I could come pull some weeds. I'm all for drinking lemonade and coke.

Great. Now I'm thirsty.  

Thanks Mendalla, but I think you misunderstood my point. In all cases the person who should get any job is whoever is most qualified, available, and willing to do it. Age should have not be a factor.

That's a good idea, lastpointe. I haven't thought of the bins yet. I know we will have a lady in a wheelchair moving in down the road once her home is finished. I am not sure how much I can push him to do volunteer work. It can backfire if it comes from Mom.