Cedric

Cedric was the ambassador for the Edmonton Muscular Dystrophy walk (since he is affected with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) which included sharing his family’s story in a mail-out fundraising campaign. He has taken part in television interviews and classroom presentations with his Mom to raise awareness about his disability. When asked why he volunteers, Cedric said “I know it helps people” and “It’s very fun!” It gives him the opportunity to do many neat things like go up on the roof of a fire hall or help hold a firehose during a car wash fundraiser. By helping his mom with school presentations, his classmates and teachers are more supportive and understanding of his needs. Cedric said, “it makes me feel happy and I get donuts.” Volunteering helps boost his self-confidence and sense of accomplishment. By being the ambassador at the Muscular Dystrophy walk, Cedric was able to honor his 2 uncles who passed away from this disability. It brought family and friends together for a good cause. Raising money helps Cedric and many other Canadians acquire the adaptive equipment they need and funds research to hopefully find a cure someday.

Daniela

I work in the nonprofit sector, but I volunteer in my free time as well. I have extensive experience in the arts. Right now I’m volunteering with the University of Alberta working with its special collections. I sort antiquities, work with kids and encourage them to explore post-secondary education and the arts. I love meeting people, and volunteering is the best way for me to do that! Volunteering helps communities become resilient, engaged, and connected. Without those things – there can’t be a community.

Eugene

I give back by volunteering with various organizations in order to help make the city a little bit nicer for all of us! I believe it’s a citizen’s responsibility to try and make the community better for, not just, themselves but for everyone as a whole. Volunteering improves my life by helping me be a better person, a more wholesome person. As a multicultural, accepting country, Canada is bettered by the effort put forth by everyone who gives of his or her time!

Vibha

I volunteer at my church, Punjabi Hindi Masihi Church, and with a volunteer group made by some of my peers called Aftershock. The group looks for local opportunities and events that requires volunteers. In the past, we have volunteered as servers, packaged flowers, done bottle drives and volunteered at several events around the city. It really emphasises the importance of volunteering not only as a way to help others in the community, but also as an outlet to meet new and diverse individuals and to create a bond with them. Canada is a friendly country and I believe volunteering further enhances the accepting and understanding nature of the people that live here.

Marg

I have volunteered in the Edmonton region for over 50 years. I’ve had many different roles like being a board president for the Edmonton Natural History Club to volunteering with students directly through the Centre for Family Literacy. I volunteer out of a responsibility to be involved in my community; to network and meet new people, learn about local issues, and contribute to relevant and meaningful solutions. Having others be able to truly experience and enjoy the outdoors, perhaps for the first time, or to understand a sentence that opens their mind to so many exciting opportunities – is a fantastic feeling!

Peter

I volunteer 5 days a week for the Wheels of Hope Transportation program for the Canadian Cancer Society and at the UofA to support people getting a laryngectomy and exemplify what life is like after the procedure. I volunteer to assist others who are suffering cancer because I have been there and understand what it means to the patients and their families to know that there is one less thing that they need to worry about as they attend their appointments as required. Volunteering helps me enjoy life after cancer and I believe volunteering allows every Canadian to be part of their community!

Madhav

I am a grade 5 student and do as much as I can to help those in my community. I give back to Edmonton by treating others in a manner that I would like to be treated. The reason why I volunteer is to help those in need, and be more alert of my surroundings. Volunteering makes the life of all better, but it we all pitch in a little bit of work, and help the community as a whole. Volunteering makes Canada a better place, because volunteering at events like Canada day shows how proud we are of where we live

Karli

I volunteered as a study buddy in an elementary school helping grade 5 students with math. I volunteer because I like the feeling of doing good for others without expectation of repayment. Coming from a small town of under 1000 people, I volunteer to feel more connected to my community and its citizens. Volunteering makes Canada a better place because it helps reinforce the idea that humans are good. When people volunteer their time for one another, it connects the people in Canada and creates a giant intertwined community that supports one another.

Khushi

I volunteer because I like helping others and it’s a good way to interact with the society. Volunteering has made my life better because when I’m at school I get to talk and communicate with others and people I don’t know. Volunteering makes Canada a better place because people communicate s and help others in many ways.

Vincent

I help run the Heart of the City Music Program (HCMP), a program designed to connect volunteer piano teachers to young children who can’t afford to take piano lessons. The program is run out of the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre and I have volunteered both as a Piano Teacher and now as the Saturday Program Coordinator. It is a truly rewarding experience to help spread my passion for music to those who want, but otherwise can’t afford, such opportunities. My involvement in this program has also managed to bring music back into my life, after having to give up prior musical activities like band due to my academics. By making a difference in each of our student’s lives through teaching piano, I believe that we are making Canada a better place, one child at a time.

Simran

I give back by engaging youth and young children with our background and history of where we came from so they can pass these stories to their kids. Volunteering helps me stay active and engaged with the community. It keeps me informed of the new changes and reformation happening around town. Everyone should volunteer at least once, even if it is only for a couple hours to just be familiar with the act of giving back to their community!

Mark

I have been volunteering at the Edmonton Valley Zoo for almost 30 years. I am also an active member of the Edmonton Insight Community, a citizen panel of Edmontonians who volunteer their time to give feedback on projects, policies, and issues within the City of Edmonton. I volunteer at the Valley Zoo mainly to give the zookeepers some extra time away from their regular duties so they can do those special projects or enrichment that make the animal’s lives better. It feels good knowing that I’m making a difference to both the animals and the zookeepers. The animals give back to me in their own ways. It starts at the community – the grassroots – and works it way up.

Shivam

I volunteer because I honestly love to volunteer and help everyone out also it makes me feel good about myself. When I help people out they say god bless and may you live longer and when they say that I feel blessed beyond word. Volunteering makes Edmonton good because it makes us a clean city and we get admired for having a city where the citizens would do stuff for fun and fit without pay!

Manvir

I give back to Edmonton by using many opportunities to help people in my community, such as donating blood, and helping members of a community at my local church or festivals such as Heritage Days. I volunteer because I feel it is a important to help members and organizations that make up the community you live in, and to make a difference to the people around me. I also believe that volunteering provides great opportunities to learn new skills and expand my knowledge. Volunteering makes Canada a better place because it helps those who need it while also providing a sense of unity as it bring many people and communities closer together.

Melanie

I’ve been volunteering with Catholic Social Services for the last two years. I lead conversation circles for newcomers to Edmonton at the public library. It’s a fantastic program, I get to meet people from all over the world, and I love helping others. My volunteer time is often the best part of my week! Volunteerism is the root of communities, it’s how we help people feel as though they belong, and those are a couple of the reasons why I think volunteering makes Canada a better place.

Harry

My life goal is to donate 2 gallons of blood to Canadian Blood Services. When I was younger my mother got into a terrible car accident, without people giving blood it would have been a difficult recovery. After she healed, she started to donate which inspired me to give back; and I do for different causes. I use my creative nature to help local Edmonton non profit groups and Alberta engineering clubs to create art work and manage their media. From something simple as a brochure to editing videos. Canadian is like being a part of a big family. By having an enormous volunteer culture we are bettering Canada one step at a time and making it one of the best places to call home!

Diya

I volunteer once a week at the Grey Nuns hospital, but in a number of different wards. I volunteer so it would go towards my university credits, and also to help others which makes them happy. Knowing that I am the reason behind someone’s happiness also makes me happy. Volunteering makes life for everyone better because we help each other out, and work as a family with one another!

Jane

I’ve been volunteering as a compassionate companion at the Pilgrim’s Hospice for some time now. We spend time with people who are coping with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. I get so much out of giving of myself: it’s a privilege to be permitted to be part of someone’s life when that person knows his or her time is limited. Volunteering is important – if everybody gave just a bit, the world would be a better place. When thinking about volunteerism in Canada I like to refer to a quote from the Dalai Lama – “Love and compassion are necessities, they’re not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” Volunteering makes our community, our city, and our country better!

Sufi

I give back to Edmonton by helping those who are less fortunate and do not have the same opportunities as I do, I do this by volunteering at food banks at my school. The reason why I volunteer is because I learn what it is like to have career in the industry so that I can be more prepared for my future and become more organised. Another reason I volunteer is to give back to my community and help others!

Jordan

I’m a Program Assistant with the Edmonton Special Olympics Bowling program where I help athletes with cognitive impairments improve their bowling capabilities. I am also an Assistant Coach with the Edmonton Sled Hockey Club. Our team practices once a week, and I help to run drills and support the athletes in practices and games. I volunteer because I have benefitted from other people’s volunteer efforts, and I want to continue the cycle and give back so that others receive those same benefits. Volunteering has made my life better because it makes me genuinely happy.

Tanvi

I volunteer to learn what it is like to have career in the industry so that I can be more prepared for my future and become more organized. Another reason I volunteer is to give back to my community and help others. If more people begin to volunteer, the less fortunate will be getting help and it can cause a rippling effect as more people may like the idea of volunteering and doing work through the kindness of your heart and it can create a change for the better.

Ahamed

I volunteer with Pilgrim’s Hospice. It’s difficult to explain why I do it, other than saying, it is a calling. It just popped into my head one day. I feel people who are near death, or who know their time is coming to an end, are much more honest. I’m new to volunteering here – I’ve been doing it for about 7 months now. Volunteerism, overall, makes communities, and Canada, better. If you walk dogs or if you work with the elderly – it’s a matter of how you’re built, how you’re wired. I came to Canada from Sri Lanka and felt like I wanted to prove myself. Ultimately – we are all the same, and helping is very fulfilling.

Mark

I give back to Edmonton by volunteering for the Edmonton and Area Land Trust, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Ducks Unlimited Canada, to help conserve and steward natural areas in the Edmonton region. I perform a variety of tasks; collecting species data, removing weeds and barbed wire, and clearing trials. I like getting outside and enjoying the environment in different seasons. It is refreshing to get outside and enjoy, protect, and restore the natural environment. Many of the activities are also good exercise and a way to build team spirit. Volunteering is important because there are limited financial and human resources to protect the environment, and conserve or restore important natural areas in Canada. A lot of important work is done by volunteers; making Canada a better place to live.

Vanessa

I helped out at LA Nissan’s Thanksgiving Dinner that generously provided a special meal to local families in need. I have also given my time to the Edmonton Food Bank by packing boxes of food donations to give to people in the community who deserve it most. Volunteering gives me the feeling that I’m doing something to make a change. I believe that a little goes a long way, so I help out any time that I can in any way that I can!

Krish

I give back to Edmonton by not making a mess, picking up litter and respecting people. Volunteering makes my life better because I help out people who really need help!

Araya

I volunteer to help those in need, and feel that it makes me feel better about myself, because I know that I’m helping those people who would appreciate my time, and that I’m giving up my time to do something so wonderful by helping others. It also makes Canada a better place because we know that there are people in the world that are kind and willing to help, and love people that appreciate it. Volunteering makes Canada a better place because helping others also teaches us a lot of new things.

Ahmed

I give back by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and the Edmonton Food Bank. Both are important causes to me. There are so many things that we take for granted, such as food and housing, that many people are struggling with today. Volunteering and working with disadvantaged people helps me to appreciate life and puts everything into perspective. It’s also beneficial for networking and becoming involved in your community. A willingness to help is part of what makes Canada strong!

Shivani

i I give back to Edmonton by donating blood, and also mentoring students I volunteer because it feels good being able to help others. Volunteering makes life better because it is a way you can make new friends and as well learn new skills. Volunteering can make a strong impact in someone’s life for the better and this is the difference volunteering can make in Canada.

Owen

I volunteer at different organization such as Canadian Blood Services. Volunteering makes me feel good to help the community out of kindness, plus the added bonus of gaining more knowledge out of the experience. Volunteering make your life better, because it allows me to learn how to talk to others, and gives me opportunities. Volunteering also makes Canada a better place because of the fact that Canadians can come together and I think the shared kindness makes us better as a country.

Maria

I immigrated from Pakistan to Edmonton in 2006.Coming from a country where safety was always a concern, I’ve always been very thankful for being able to call Edmonton home. I feel that it is my duty to give back to this city. I vote in every election, write for the Edmonton Journal and volunteer my time every chance I get. Whenever I volunteer I always meet people from different cultures, religions and ethnicity. I find the more we learn about each other the better our country becomes!

Mahit

I volunteer every week at Grey Nuns hospital, the reason why I volunteer is gain experience and learn about the different options there are for me. Seeing a smile on someone else’s face puts a smile on mine, and if everyone gives back to the community there will be a smile on everyone’s face.

Kevin

I give back to Edmonton by helping out with all the various community projects that are available. I volunteer to help the community and also achieve that sense of community. I have resources available, so it would be nice to help those without. Volunteering makes your life better by actually putting purpose into your days. It can eventually help with career choices too. By volunteering, you make things easier for a bunch of other people, which eventually contributes to the well being of Canada as a whole.

Harjeet

I give back by participating in regional festivals, voting in elections and volunteering and working for organizations; particularly those that I have benefited. I volunteer to help those who helped me, or pass on what I got out of the services that I received to other who are now in a similar state as me. Volunteering lets me help and give happiness to many other who may or not be as privileged while having the honours and delight of knowing that I did something for someone for free. It’s a great feeling!

Divya

I volunteer at University of Concordia events such as blood donation, and at the Misercordia Hospital in the seniors department. Why I volunteer is because it’s a way for me to give back to the society, and make me feel positive towards myself. Volunteering makes Canada a better place because it helps show the next generation to be involved in the community, and that not everything is about money.

Keenan

I give back to Edmonton by being an active member of my community through volunteering at the Grey Nuns hospital weekly, I spend time with seniors and stroke patients, helping them feel comfortable in their recovery process and also learning from the many stories they have. I believe it is an innate responsibility and duty of being a human because it is through selfless unity that community grows and thrives!

Sarena

I am incredibly lucky to be able to volunteer as a University of Alberta student ambassador for the last three years which among other roles, allows me to share everything I love about our university with prospective students through leading campus tours. I also volunteer with the Steadward Centre at the UofA by helping adults with impairments engage in physical activity. Not only does volunteering give me a mental break from the stresses of university life but allows me to get to know a diverse range of people. When I first started volunteering at age 13, I was very shy but volunteering with various organizations soon brought me out of my shell. To this day, volunteering helps me gain many transferable skills!

Tyler

I give back to the local organizations that mean a lot to me. Throughout high school, I had the privilege of going on 3 international service trips through Millwoods Christian School, which were truly life-changing. I also volunteer at MacEwan University through their family literacy programs, as well as through a business venture opportunity I was a part of, in which 100% of our profits went towards Boyle Street Community Services. It isn’t very often that people will say yes to something without asking themselves “What’s in it for me?”. We should instead ask ourselves “What can I do to help?”. The more we take the time to look out for others, the better off everyone will be!

Rosalie

Rosalie volunteers for many reasons, one of them being to support her brother, Cedric, who is affected with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Rosalie and her brother volunteered to participate in a Robot Study at the University of Alberta in the Assistive Technology Lab. They learned how to control a Lego Mindstorm Robot and then got to play games with it. The findings of this study will be applied to help develop play activities with the robot for children who have severe physical disabilities and who would not be able to manipulate toys otherwise. Through this study, Rosalie was able to practice and develop her social skills and express her opinions and ideas. Her volunteer efforts help contribute to the care, treatment, and well-being of people with disabilities. Giving her time to this study also allowed her to play a role in the advancement of science.

Tony

I give back to Edmonton by volunteering with local non-profit environmental organizations. This work is important because we need to protect and conserve nature for people to enjoy. I am a university student in the Environmental Studies program so getting hands-on experience working in the field is important to complement the theory I learn in class. I volunteer because it is a great opportunity to meet new people and acquire new skills!

Queeny

I volunteer because it allows me to develop an awareness that doesn’t normally exist in my day to day life. I don’t think that giving back to a community requires any sort of dramatic heroism, or a vast vision of changing the world. Rather, it is an accumulation of small acts people do, like opening a door for someone or asking someone how their day went. I think there is something profound in being able to witness how your acts influence others in volunteering. If volunteering can make Canada a more empathetic community, then I believe we will be on our way to becoming a better place.

Luke

I volunteered with the 630 CHED Santa’s Anonymous where a friend and I delivered gifts to less fortunate children around the Edmonton Community. For the past two years, I have also given my time to the MS Bike Tour. I cycled 180 kilometres in 2 days and raised money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada to help improve the lives of people who have MS. I have also volunteered at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, where I helped to clean animal enclosures and prepare food for the animals. I do these things because they are good for the community without volunteering, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy as many of the things that we do.

Faye

I give back through volunteer board work for community nonprofit organizations. I served six years on the board of The Family Centre and I am currently on the board of CASA – Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health. I volunteer for organizations whose mission and work I believe in – organizations that make life better for children and families. Volunteering gives me a great deal of personal satisfaction, and allows me to know so many people I would not otherwise have the chance to meet. As more and more people experience the joy of volunteering, it can’t help but make our country better and kinder.

Elyssa

I help my community by volunteering for many cultural events. I have also volunteered as part of my school’s patrol to make sure students are safe as they cross the street, I help my school’s Parent Council by babysitting during their meetings, and every year I help with my church’s food drive collection. I I like to make people happy and it makes me feel better about myself because I am helping others. Volunteering shows we are caring and giving.

Johnny

I give back to Edmonton by volunteering at the University of Alberta Campus Food Bank. I volunteer because I believe that community is such an important thing. I believe that in order for our community to thrive, we must maintain a sense of unity, diversity and comfort. Establishing these values in our people will lead to the prosperity of current and future generations! Volunteering has definitely had a positive impact in my life, allowing me to experience first-hand a strong sense of community. The satisfaction of meeting such wonderful people, clients and other volunteers, as well as knowing that I was able to make a difference in my community is very empowering. Volunteering makes Canada a better place by really bringing people together and establishing a sense of community!

John

My main area of volunteer work is situated around working with elementary age kids at a children’s summer camp called Kidsplosion. The camp provides local kids the opportunity to get out of house for the day and have a ton of fun with others their age in a safe environment. The main reason I do what I do is because I love the opportunity to bond with and mentor the younger generation.. The opportunity to do something that is greater than you really gives you a new perspective on life and changes your priorities!

Patty

I volunteer as a local steward with the Edmonton and Area Land Trust. I monitor boundaries, fix fences and maintain the hiking trails at the Glory Hills Conservation Lands. I have been involved in hand-pulling weeds, installing and cleaning bird and bat nest boxes, and removing old barbed wire to allow wildlife in the area better chances of success. Volunteering helps to broaden my thinking and experiences, and it helps keep me active and healthy. I hope that more and more people come to appreciate the natural environment and that we see a generational improvement in how citizens commit themselves to working to preserve these wonderful spaces for future generations.

Chelsea

I volunteer for the Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association (ECBEA) at their various events throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year Celebration and the Mid-Autumn Festival. At these events, I help to run cultural games, sell merchandise, and do Chinese dance and Chinese drumming performances. I volunteer through my junior high school at open houses and other events, I help with the annual food bank campaign through my church, and I also volunteer my time to babysit for my own siblings as well as other families in the community. I think it is important to share Chinese culture in Edmonton. When people volunteer they become more selfless and nicer, therefore making our local communities a better place.

Ayrton

I volunteer in a youth worship band program. I volunteer because it is a way for me to give back to the community that has given so much to me. Volunteering allows me to further build my character and give me experience in doing things I wouldn’t get the chance to do normally. Canada is often regarded as one of the nicest countries in the world, and I truly believe it is because of the kindness and empathy spread through volunteering.

Amanda

I’ve volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society for Daffodil Days and helped in some multicultural events in Edmonton. I am currently volunteering at an elementary school and working on reading with children. I volunteer because I think humility is an important virtue, and service is one way to display this quality. I enjoy giving back to the community and working towards a common goal – participating in such an effort is fulfilling! If we were all to put aside our differences and work towards a greater goal, we could make Canada a tolerant, cooperative, and appreciative place.​

Lise

I volunteer in a number of different ways, but right now, I’m putting a lot of work into Global Fusion. There are givers and takers in the world – and sometimes we have to be the student and other times the teacher. By recognizing these facts, you can see that volunteering helps move communities forward. I consider volunteerism the most critical component of our humanity. Look at the effort put forth by volunteers during emergencies like the Fort McMurray fire. Volunteering helps build relationships, and that makes Canada a better place!

Ahmed

I volunteer wherever I can – it’s the best way to spread kindness and love. All of us are busy, but when you volunteer and you give you time others will care. That in itself will make our community better. At the end of the day, do you feel good? Volunteerism makes people feel good. It doesn’t matter how you volunteer either, with kids or adults, or if you pick up garbage, or help clean a park. Whether people know you did it or not, these types of things help make Canada and our community better!

Anita

I spend a lot of time volunteering with the local Laos community. I want to reconnect with my roots and associated culture. I wasn’t overly connected while growing up, so it’s been very rewarding learning about where I come from and some of that history. Our community is fairly small, only about one-thousand people, so sharing who we are is important to me. Volunteerism is the ultimate showcase of compassion and sharing in one’s community. It is hard work, but we do it for free, we don’t need the exchange – it’s something we do from our hearts for each other.

William

I’m a volunteer with the Global Fusion team! I do it for a number of reasons, but mainly because I want to be a writer! I feel one of the best ways to gain the knowledge needed to be a successful writer is to experience different people and cultures. It’s really valuable and rewarding. It was a difficult thing to do at first, I had to step out of my comfort zone, but it has been fantastic. I think Canada is better thanks to volunteers because, I feel, people genuinely want to help one another, and cultural arts is one, great, way for people to do that! We all are exposed to new, interesting, and exciting aspects of the world we live in.

Lydia

I am volunteering with Global Fusion. I’m really drawn to it because of our focus on youth showcasing their culture. As young people become more familiar with western culture there can be some detachment, so with that in mind, I feel volunteering for an event like this is very important. The youth of today get a bit of a bad rap, but they’re not lazy and disengaged. An event like this, with all the youth involved, is proof. Volunteering makes our community, and Canada, better because it empowers! Everybody likes to contribute and feel like the things he or she can do make a difference. Young people get to see the results of their efforts!

Amein

I volunteer for a couple of organizations because I feel it’s really important to give back to the community and to those that are less fortunate. It really brings happiness to my heart and I feel satisfied at the end of the day that my efforts help support others. Canada is one, big, diverse nation, and we should all help one another. I think that helps make Canada a better place. The more we all volunteer, the more we’ll mix together and learn about each other!

Robert

I’m a volunteer with Pilgrim’s Hospice, and I’m truly happy to share my story. I’ve been coming here for the past three-and-a-half years. I play guitar, sing and tell stories, and try to bring some joy to clients. It certainly brings me a great deal of joy! When I consider the value of volunteers in Canada I think back to being a youngster – I can’t recall all of those people who volunteered their time and services for events while I was growing up. It’s an absolute necessity – it provides harmony. You become less judgemental, helps you appreciate others, and to accept things as they are. One can take from the well, but one should also give back!

Bonnie D

I’ve been volunteering since I was 12! I was a candy striper at the hospital in my hometown. Since then I’ve known that I would continue helping people. I currently volunteer with Pilgrim’s Hospice. I also volunteer with the Christmas Bureau and for a number of track and field events. Volunteering is a very social part of my day. Helping people have a really good day is incredibly rewarding. When you volunteer, you are exposed to so many different cultures and so many different people that make Canada better. Volunteers welcome people to the community and that makes our nation stronger and better!

Roberta

I volunteer with Pilgrim’s Hospice with the day program and as a compassionate companion. I’ve also volunteered at The Mustard Seed and with my community league – I’ve always got something going on. Volunteering at Pilgrim’s is extremely rewarding. Clients come to get out for a bit, to get out of the house. Volunteers help make Canada better in a number of ways – they help provide services that might not, otherwise, be available, and I believe they serve as role models for caring and compassion. They help change the fabric of our society.

Joice

Right now, I volunteer with Pilgrim’s Hospice and Central Lion’s Recreation Centre. I get a lot out of volunteering: interact and socialize with others, it helps me feel like I’m part of a bigger community. Getting to know people makes Canada a better place and, when you volunteer, you get to meet a lot of different people. I meet many people from other cultures, we communicate and get comfortable together, and we develop relationships and friendships. If you’re a good listener, and if you care about people, you can do this role. It really becomes natural after a while.

Alyssa

As a member of the Edmonton Eskimos Cheer Team, I have the opportunity to volunteer with a variety of organizations within the community: Tim Hortons Camp Day and The Run Wild Marathon supporting the Zebra Centre. We also have the opportunity to volunteer with the Stollery Children’s Hospital, The Ronald McDonald House and the Kids With Cancer Society. Volunteering is a way for me to give back to the organizations that do so much for our community. Knowing I can have a positive impact on our community by volunteering is extremely fulfilling. Volunteering makes Canada a better place by bringing people together and building stronger communities. The sense of community is one of the many things that make Canada great.

Prem

I’m a member of a number of local volunteer organizations. I do it to keep busy, especially doing things that benefit other people and the community as a whole. It brings me a lot of joy – it’s a two-way process: I help others, but I also learn a great deal from those I’m helping. It gives a great deal of satisfaction. When people are happy, communities are stronger, and – in turn – our nation is stronger. I see this whenever I volunteer or travel overseas. It helps internationally and domestically.

Maggie

I give back by being active in my community, volunteering, and looking for ways to make a difference. Instead of just talking about change, I like to get out there and working on it! I volunteer because I believe you need to get involved in order to facilitate change. If you don’t participate, you can’t make a difference. Show your talents, share them, and put them to work. Volunteering makes Canada better through the accumulation of the efforts put forth by all of those out there giving of themselves! Stronger communities lead to a stronger nation.

Yin

I give back and volunteer by helping low-income families prepare their taxes. It’s something I started while in university, it’s obviously a free service – so we try to help people save time and money. As an immigrant, volunteering is great for me: I was able to learn more about the tax laws; it was also a fantastic opportunity to take what I already know and share it. It is a win-win for me. I get a lot of pleasure from helping others, especially helping with a complex issue like taxes. I learn new things and gain new insight to Canada. It feels great. I can share my experience with Edmontonians and Canadians alike!

Keryn

I volunteer and help out wherever I can throughout the city. It helps me develop social skills, gives me some quality work experience and I learn more about our entire community. Volunteering brings people together. We work on similar projects and spend time at the same events; it’s these types of things that help make Canada a better place – bringing people together in the community!

Yakira

I give back by volunteering and getting involved in activities around the city. I started doing it when looking at applying for University: I wanted to learn more about the community, work on my English and social skills. It’s a great way to meet people and make friends. Volunteering makes Canada better by bringing people together to contribute to the society we live in!

Mahlon

I try to do as much volunteering as I can. I’m a Shriner, so I volunteer there, and I’ve been volunteering with Edmonton Northlands for 45 years! I like people and it’s an opportunity to give back to the community and work with like-minded individuals. I like doing things, being busy. If sitting in front of the t.v is your thing, that’s fine, but it’s not my style. I need to be out there doing things and helping. Canada is such a rich mosaic, and volunteering enhances that richness: it gets people involved in organizations that make our community and country even better!

Orest

I’ve been volunteering with Habitat For Humanity for 25 years now. I’ve always liked knowing where my efforts or dollars are going. It serves a great purpose in the community; about 10 percent of the population just wouldn’t be able to afford their own home without Habitat. My role as crew leader has me working here in the city, but it’s also taken me all over the world – working with Habitat organizations throughout Central America and the Caribbean. These projects, domestically and internationally, can prove life-altering for people. It’s humbling. Volunteering not only improves Canada, but it can benefit the entire world, really!

Paul, Jada, Brennin

We volunteer with Santa’s Anonymous. It’s something we’ve done for years – Brennin (not pictured), Jada and myself. The joy you see people’s faces when you deliver gifts they, otherwise, may not have received. As a family, we’ve been doing it for about 14 years – not just delivery days either, we do wrapping, dispatching and even sit on the board – not the kids mind you! Volunteerism can be very educational as well, we learn about volunteer organizations and non-governmental organizations. Volunteering is part of the fabric of our country. We’re going to keep working with Santa’s! When people work together to strengthen communities, it makes Canada even better!

Wing

I volunteer with multiple organizations, including my former school. I feel it’s important to help those in need, those who can’t always do certain things on their own. I also love meeting people, I’m very social, and volunteering gives me the opportunity to go out into the community and expand my horizons. As for volunteering and the Canadian aspect – it really enhances our international reputation. One that is strong already! I’m very proud of the volunteer spirit we share.

Summer

*Translated from – “Woof. Woof woof woof. Wooooof!” Summer’s been volunteering for about 8 months now, she gives back by being a service dog for someone in the community. She’ll be ready by the age of two and will be able to significantly increase mobility and independence of whoever she ends up assisting. She’s quite a people person, she helps educate and inform Edmontonians about her role as a service dog. She’s learning that volunteering is truly Canadian, through her experiences with everyone she meets, and informs about her role!

Grant, Nanci and Dawn

We give back by volunteering with Habitat For Humanity, as well as a few other organizations. There is a social angle to volunteering that we all really like, however, we’ve all discussed in the past – the level of satisfaction we get from helping out in our community. We meet new people, learn about different perspectives, and develop an appreciation for how fortunate we are. It feels right to give back. The spirit of volunteerism binds Canada together. We are a diverse, multicultural nation and volunteering proves very educational.

Ralph

I’m part of the transportation group for this Habitat For Humanity project; I’m one of the shuttle drivers. Edmonton has such a great reputation for volunteering – all over the world. I’ve met people from across the country and around the globe who are amazed at the volunteer effort we put forth. Canadian volunteers are looked upon so favourably – we’re always considered so friendly, and it’s true. I hope that the effort we put in for projects like this inspires current citizens and those who are just coming to Canada.

Chris and Kelly

Kelly – I volunteer because it’s interesting. Not only that, I’m a teacher in the inner city and seeing how projects like Habitat For Humanity can help, the families I see daily, is very fulfilling. Chris – It’s also a lot of fun! I like to get my hands dirty, and doing it for a good cause is humbling. I also volunteer with the Children’s Make-A-Wish Foundation and this feels like a natural extension. Chris and Kelly – Volunteering makes our community stronger! As for how it makes Canada better – we are a mosaic of cultures throughout the city, region, and country and, hopefully, volunteering helps bring all of us together!

Andrea

I give back in a number of ways: over the past 14 years, I have volunteered with the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Edmonton International Jazz Festival, and a number of other organizations – the Bissell Centre, I frequent area Farmer’s Markets, and I give blood regularly. I started volunteering after moving back to the city and realizing I wasn’t as familiar with our community as I thought. Now I do it to align with my interests and hobbies, meet friends and to give back to the community. Canada is better thanks to volunteers who help develop a sense of camaraderie and community. Festivals are great places to volunteer – everyone comes together to accomplish a common goal – it’s quite fulfilling!

Yekta

I volunteer and give back as often as I can a nonprofit or at school. I feel that once you’ve done it, you can continue doing it and carry on with the understanding of how relevant it is. We are all people, we live in a small world, and once someone makes the first move – anything is possible. I get a sense of accomplishment from it, as well as a sense of altruism – helping others feels good! Volunteers make Canada a better place by continuing to offer their time. It all adds up and that improves communities across the country.

Fenal

I give back to my community by volunteering with a number of organizations: to eliminate global poverty and to feed the less fortunate are a couple of ways. I feel that giving back empowers me. I appreciate the respect and satisfaction I get from it. Volunteering has helped me grow as an individual. I am more confident, I relate to others better, and I’m making more friends! Volunteering makes Canada a better place by helping us all look out for one another, and lending a helping hand when you see it is required!

Haidong

I give back to Edmonton whenever I can – financially or with my time. I volunteer as a board member for Community Options, an organization that serves low-income families. Nobody wants to see children and families suffer in poverty, so that’s why I do it. By volunteering, you can really give, instead of receive, and it is quite fulfilling. Canada is a better place thanks to the volunteers who make a difference. There are a number of programs and projects out there that likely wouldn’t exist without the effort put forth by volunteers!

Vicky

I try to make a difference in the nonprofit sector, or in any other way that I can – if someone needs help, I try to find a way to offer it. I have been very fortunate in life, so I feel as though I should give back to those who might not have had the same advantages. I wanted to give back. I’ve been an active volunteer for almost 30 years and am extremely happy. Volunteering definitely makes Canada a better place, if people pull together, help, and make an effort – it improves the lives of everyone!

Susan

I give back to Edmonton in a number of ways. I volunteer with the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, where I assist people with mobility issues. When you help someone enrich his or her experience, it really feels great. My parents were volunteers, and they instilled in me the importance of it. Without volunteers, a number of things that make Edmonton great wouldn’t occur. I’m humbled by their dedication, it helps with social connections, and improves my life – I’m happy and healthy. Volunteerism improves Canada in so many ways: it builds communities, improves communities, and the spirit of volunteering brings us all together.

Craig

Volunteering, for the past 10 years, as a coach for the Edmonton Amateur Baseball Association has been rewarding for me in many different ways. Having been involved in minor sports the majority of my life, as a player and as a coach, I found the transition to coaching a natural progression. It can be a huge time commitment to make to be a volunteer in any sport or activity. Coaching is more than just about teaching skills of a sport, it’s also teaching the life skills. We need our youth to follow in our steps with their desire to volunteer, no matter what they choose as their cause – this is what makes Canada a better place.

Monica

I volunteer with The Red Shoe Society. We help raise funds through various events. It keeps me busy and active in my community. I’m not from Edmonton, and volunteering has always been a great way to meet people. I value family and community, and volunteering is a perfect fit. It enriches my life by keeping me active; it helps show my children the importance of community and helping others. I think volunteerism makes Canada a better place by showcasing the extensive efforts put forth by the entire volunteer community. To let others know that there are people out there who can help.

Bryce

I’ve been very fortunate and I’ve benefitted from a number of positives in my life, and not everyone can say the same. That’s one of the main reasons I volunteer! “Dance Without Limits” is one of the organizations I help with. We help children with physical disabilities learn to dance, play games with others and properly stretch; things that aren’t always available to them through standard dance studios or programs. Volunteering brings like-minded people together and I’ve made life-long friends. Volunteerism makes Canada a better place, it sets an example for others, and it provides manpower that otherwise might not be available.

Janet

I volunteer at the Hope Mission once a week during breakfast shift – serving everybody! The clients there need to eat, and I feel like volunteering my time is better value than just throwing money at the problem. I know it’s not a fix for the problem, but it helps! Volunteering provides me with a certain sense of satisfaction – doing for others without asking anything in return. Canada is better thanks to the volunteer community; you meet like-minded people and get out in the community, helping with issues that society deals with.

Sara

I enjoy working with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, as well as a few other organizations. Helping others, and giving back to my community are really rewarding activities. If I can help one person by raising awareness or funds – it’s worth it. Volunteering helps me feel better about myself by helping out those in need live longer, or live better. I feel, here in Canada, volunteering and giving of one’s self really helps put things in perspective. We can get a chance at seeing how those who may be less fortunate deal with challenges in life. It can really help you appreciate what you’ve got.

Amanda

I work in the nonprofit sector so I interact and engage with volunteers every day. I’ve been volunteering since I was quite young; I started helping out in my hometown hospital. I love the personal connections, the support for the community and the impact you can have on a person’s life. I get as much, if not more, out of volunteering as those I help. Seeing a smile when you’ve helped someone do something he or she might not have been able to do otherwise is really rewarding. It makes you feel really good at the end of the day. Volunteering makes Canada better by bringing people together and seeing the difference we make when that happens!

Melody and Brian

We volunteer, and give back to Edmonton, with our church. We’ve been doing it for about four years now. We build relationships and meet new people, and learn different perspectives. With the chapel being in West Edmonton Mall, we meet people from all over the world, we also both have retail experience so we can relate to staff or visitors. Volunteering improves our lives by exposing us to other cultures and ethnicities. We learn so much doing this here. Volunteerism provides an opportunity to give something of yourself. We all have something to give and, hopefully, it leads to a greater understanding of one another.

Amy

I give back to Edmonton because I think it’s very important to strengthen communities – not just for those in need, but for everyone, everybody can play a strong part in the community. I do it because I’m new to the city; it’s a great way to meet people, learn about what’s happening in and around the city and to keep in touch. Volunteerism helps people feel good, feel positive about what they do. Canada is such a giving nation; the effort from volunteers is very passionate. Recognizing volunteers as we celebrate the nation’s 150th anniversary is a fantastic way to honour the country!

Michael

I volunteer regularly. I love giving back to my community – I think it’s important and meaningful. I’m kind of fond of the city as well! Volunteering improves my life by helping me understand people, it also helps showcase everything the city has to offer – festivals, community events, and things like that, it’s very fulfilling. I think volunteering improves Canada by helping others; it’s also part of our history, our tradition. When Europeans first arrived in this place, they likely wouldn’t have survived without the help of others – namely the indigenous community that was here long before us. So it’s something that is at the very base of what Canada is.

Jennifer

I give back to Edmonton by volunteering with a pet cancer charity, the Alberta Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society, which helps subsidize cancer treatment for pets. I love people and I love animals, it makes giving back very easy. It creates amazing connections and I get to meet so many great people through the program. Volunteering opens up the community, you get to serve others as opposed to being self-serving. It’s the pay-it-forward philosophy – help one person and hopefully, they’ll do the same for someone else!

Kaitlyn

I give back by helping sure everyone in our community has equal access to better life. To make sure everybody is provided for! I volunteer with a number of organizations: recently I work with the underprivileged, as well as a group that helps feed those who are hungry or in need. I volunteer because it fosters community, improves oneself, and provides a number of services that aren’t provided by government. Canada is a diverse and strong nation – we can embrace our differences. Community is the strength of a nation and we grow as communities by understanding our differences.