Volunteer Stories
Volunteers of Waterloo Region
The following stories from local Waterloo Region volunteers and volunteer managers demonstrate how we are able to connect to community through amazing moments in the region and beyond. National Volunteer Week is a time to share stories about how volunteers are providing support and compassion to those in need in our community. This year's theme is "Every Moment Matters". Thank you to all the wonderful humans who participated and who make every moment matter by creating everlasting memories of community, empathy and strengh. Enjoy the following collection of stories for 2024 National Volunteer Week - April 14 - 20th and beyond.
NVW 2024
#EveryMomentMatters and we thank you for the impact you are making in Waterloo Region.
Joy's Story
It’s not about what you gain out there; It’s about what you can give out to remove or eliminate a lot of pain out there
Omosede's Story
I think that I want people to be more concerned about feedback, because I think we learn to progress and to improve…and because we should always learn to improve ourselves
Beilul's Story
At this time I don’t really have the money to give to the people, but I have, like, my time to help them
Lisa's Story
Just get out there! Try it!” Find an experience. You would be amazed how good it makes you feel, and also how it makes people in your community feel
Chris' Story
So in the long run, volunteering is good for everybody , those who receive as well as those who give
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Nick's Story
I just want to shout out EDCL as an organization because they were there from moment one to day one and they always had my back and the people that they support
Ethan's Story
Just don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to try something new. Don't be afraid to reach out
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Amrita's Story
When I really think about my volunteering role here with Elmira District Community Living, I think about it as both someone who’s new to Elmira, as well as someone who’s new to Canada as an immigrant.
Carman's Story
When you see that kids that you had in Guides are now doctors, lawyers… doing well in their lives that kind of makes you feel good that you’ve done something that perhaps helped just a little bit
Sussane's Story
So find what you like, find what you are good at or decide you want to try something new, and maybe that's where your calling is
Ashley's Story
Volunteering with a community organization like that not only helps others, it leaves me feeling encouraged and knowing that I am making a difference
Brenda's Story
I feel very rewarded from doing the volunteering. I feel like its making a difference, whatever its we are doing, and I enjoy it!
Donna's Story
We try to do anything from empowerment to educating, and support all of those, and our staff, our team of staff is just amazing, and again, we wouldn’t be able to do all that we do without our volunteers
Thomas's Story
I wish more people would volunteer… it pays back personally, and I think… that eventually the more people do it, I think our communities will be better off
Wesley's Story
It was another way of helping out in the community. To help other people who were not as fortunate as I was
NVW 2023
Thank you volunteers for all you do to support our community, and for #WeavingUsTogether!
Asadllah and Rabia’s Story
Through volunteering I get peace (RABIA)... for me, is similar to finding a house for a newcomer... It makes me that happy (ASADLLAH).
Nelson’s story
I continue to volunteer because I like to help...I know many people come here to this country in difficult situations; it's not my case but I am here to help.
Sonya’s story
Volunteering is amazing! I can give something to someone... and that's very special for me.
Etta’s Story
Recently retired, Etta, who has been volunteering for over four decades, has inspired many with her dedication and selflessness.
Stephanie’s Story
Out of volunteering I get a sense of satisfaction. when you are in there, residents would tell you how much they appreciate what you are doing.
Akanksha’s Story’s
Our volunteers are all so incredible, and I got to meet so many amazing people through this role.
Dan’s Story
I started volunteering because I had a stroke, and I wanted to offer something that, wasn't offered at that time when I had my stroke years ago.
Olga’s Story
I started to volunteer because I love the community services. I like helping people.
Marg’s Story
Marg had been volunteering for various community organizations for years. She loved being a part of something bigger than herself and positively impacting her community.
Kimberley’s Story
I started volunteering to honor my parents who were refugees from the Vietnam War.
Tina’s Story
I've made a lot of impact in terms of the patients that I see... Out of volunteering I get a satisfaction of knowing I helped someone.
Yvonne’s Story
Yvonne pours her heart and soul into each move, leaving a memorable mark on each person's life.
Dave’s Story
It is really about helping people stay in their homes give them a meal, and talk to them... they appreciate what I do.
Todd’s Story
In Shelter Movers, you get to interact with community directly one-on-one, and your helping the person that needs help.
Juan’s Story
At the beginning you think you want to change the world... in one or two hours of your time you think is not enough, but that's the whole world for them.
Elijah’s Story
Volunteering at a senior's home gave me more experience... and appreciation.
Donna’s Story
I started to volunteer because I thought there was a need in the community... it is a privilege to have the opportunity to meet with these clients. Volunteering, I think, is a privilege.
Carmen’s Story
Volunteering allowed me to learn new skills and build connections with people.
Robert’s Story
I enjoy every aspect of helping others, and I continue to volunteer up to this day because it brings me joy.
Rachel’s Story
I always say that some of my greatest life lessons and memories that I cherish come from being a part of a team.
Ken’s Story
You want to help people that maybe are younger than you, so you can help build them up... Volunteering keeps you connected.
NVW 2022
Volunteers are #empathyinaction!
Thanks to all volunteers in Waterloo Region, and across Canada.
The Gap Factory Staff
The Bridges, an emergency shelter run by Cambridge Shelter Corporation, takes in people from the cold and gives them a place to stay…
Brice Balmer
Brice has been a volunteer for many years, using his talents to learn about and fight for justice. He saw, through his many different experiences...
Duaa Al Aghar
Duaa came to Canada in 2006 from Iraq. Being a newcomer, she wanted to get in touch with the community through volunteering. She eventually learned about KW Access Ability…
Sunbeam Volunteer Bloggers
Finding ways for our generous volunteers to continue sharing their time and talent with us during the pandemic has been challenging…
Ed Zurawski
Ed joined us as a volunteer for our exhibit Unzipped: Rolling Stones. He came to the organization as a big Rolling Stones fan and enjoys sharing his knowledge…
Bets McLachlan
Bets has been volunteering at the Boardwalk Vaccine Clinic since April of 2021. After being accepted as a volunteer, Bets looked forward to being part of…
Nel Santos
Nel Jayson Santos volunteers with Kind Minds Family Wellness as a Project and Research Coordinator. Nel really appreciates the opportunities…
Firouzeh (Roza)
Firouzeh (Roza) is a pharmacist, and she volunteers at the House of Friendship. She feels her volunteer experience is a great opportunity to give…
Randy Martin
When Randy Martin, a 5-year volunteer at Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region’s Cambridge ReStore, noticed that no kitchens were arriving…
Payton Bayley
Payton has been volunteering as a mentor with Volunteer Waterloo Region, YOUTH Engagement programming since 2021…
Cameron Tai
Cameron came to Volunteer Waterloo Region as a final term placement student from the PR Program at Conestoga College…
Sector Advocacy
Volunteering brings value to peoples lives and when you combine the work of all those volunteers whether individually or in a corporate group it really has the Power to change our community...
Asma’s Story
Before coming to Canada from Jordan, I knew the importance of volunteering. Back in Jordan, volunteering is significant....
Kathy's Story
Kathy created a Facebook filter that people can impose in the background of their selfie photos to bring awareness to volunteerism...
Wazee Seniors Group Story
Shirley N, our senior mentor and volunteer has been able to work with our Cultural Group Facilitators to run a successful virtual group program for Black seniors....
Shubham's Story
Shubham, although relatively new to the youth council at Langs, demonstrated strong interest and initiative by getting involved in numerous virtual programs as a co-facilitator...
Scott’s Story
Scott and his son Matt were looking for opportunities to get involved in the community. They were able to help out at the House of Friendship kitchen preparing food for the men's shelter...
Allyson's Story
In giving my time, I got back so much more in return: friendships and relationships with other volunteers, a sense of belonging and purpose, and the satisfaction that comes along with a clean donation storage space...
Tina's Story
Tina is an exceptional educator who learned about ToastyToes Waterloo Region a few years ago. She shared the message of ToastyToes at her school, connecting it ...
Charles's Story
Charles is an amazing volunteer and ambassador for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, he is a member of the Local Waterloo Wellington and District Chapter Board and on the National Board...
Serap's Story
I started to wonder about my neighbours and how they were dealing with this situation? Did they need any help? … I decided to knock on my neighbour’s doors...
Richard's Story
On his 74th birthday, Richard was on a Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region build site helping to construct his 74th home for local families...
