National Volunteer Week, Canada’s largest celebration of volunteerism and civic participation, is April 12 through 18th. Albertans have a rich history of volunteering and community involvement, and have been celebrating National Volunteer Week for more than 20 years. Tip of the hat, Alberta!
As the Community Engagement Coordinator at the YWCA of Calgary, I have the pleasure to promote and lead volunteer engagement for individuals and groups. The YWCA has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at both the YWCA downtown location and the YWCA Sheriff King Home emergency shelter.
In 2014, more than 260 volunteers contributed in excess of 5,000 volunteer hours! Volunteer opportunities range from special events and fundraisers to our many program areas including emergency shelter, housing, education and employment, and child and family support. In addition, our reputable and highly experienced Board of Directors is staffed entirely by volunteers who have been recruited to fill specific roles and bring governance and experience to the organization.
Each volunteer is a key component in helping the YWCA achieve our mission to intervene, empower and lead where and when women need us most. Our un-paid staff members are highly valued and appreciated by all at the YWCA.
Lisa Nowlin-Clayton has been volunteering in the YWCA Mary Dover House transitional housing program as an ESL tutor since November 2014 and has contributed nearly 30 hours of her time.
When I asked why she chose the YWCA, she answered, “Empower. When I saw this word in the mission statement, I knew the YWCA was the place for me.” Lisa added, “I love sharing knowledge with the clients at the YWCA. It’s wonderful to see the glimmer in their eyes when they understand a new word, write a sentence or remember something we worked on the week prior.”
Another volunteer, Alexis Berezan, has volunteered every Thursday since May of 2010. Helping with intake at the YWCA Sheriff King Home emergency shelter, Alexis has nearly 90 volunteer hours under her belt!
She tells me the issue of family violence keeps her awake at night. “Volunteering at YWCA emergency shelter helps me to feel like I am actually doing something to make change,” she says.
When asked why she continues to volunteer at the YWCA after half a decade of service, she tells me working with clients each week is amazing and doesn’t feel like work. “I’ve learned a lot about the issues of family violence and poverty and am continually inspired by the courage of the women who come through the door,” she says. “People are incredibly resilient and with just a bit of help are able to make positive change in their lives.”
On behalf of the entire organization, I wish to thank each and every YWCA volunteer – past, present and future. This week we celebrate you for your commitment to our mission and vision as well as for your time and talents. Our gratitude continues yearlong.
To those thinking of sharing their skills with the YWCA, there are always opportunities available. At the moment we’re seeking Child Care Assistants, Casino volunteers for September 10 – 11, 2015, and ESL Teaching Assistants for the semester beginning in May. Anyone interested can email me at volunteer@ywcalgary.ca
Sue Wilmot
Community Engagement Coordinator
YWCA of Calgary
