Calling all volunteers

These are the people in your neighbourhood, the unsung heroes who give their time — time and time again

JENN NUCUM-TRINIDAD

Where: Toronto

The charity: Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts and Culture Since 2015, Nucum-Trinidad has been involved with this organization for Filipino/Canadian youth. She has volunteered with the community engagement and fundraising committee and its multidisciplinary arts festival, KULTURA.

Why I volunteer: “I started as a donor, but I wanted to get to know the community better and get to know the organization on a deeper level. Volunteering has enriched my knowledge and love of my culture, and it’s allowed me to give back. I think everyone should try volunteering for an organization, something that speaks to them personally will make it all the more interesting.”.

BETH KELLY AND PAUL MACKIE, SR.

Where: Oshawa, Ont. The charity: Lakeridge Health

Foundation Kelly and Mac ki ea re among the co-chairs on the cabinet for Lakeridge Health Foundation’s Our Cancer Campaign, a $20-million initiative to advance cancer care in Durham Region with leading-edge treatment, robotic surgery and research. Thanks to volunteer and donor support, the region now has a renowned Cancer Centre that sees 7,000 new cancer patients each year. Mackie has been a supporter of Lakeridge Health since they saved his life at age eight and has held a variety of volunteer positions since he started volunteering at the hospital in 2001 and with the foundation in 2006. He has also been going through cancer treatment at the Cancer Centre.

Why I volunteer: “Throughout my life, I’m blessed that I could be involved and help financially and personally with my time to give back to Oshawa General, Lakeridge Health, the Foundation and the Board,” said Mackie.

JANE COONEY

Where: Toronto

The charity: St. Michael’s Hospital Academic Family Health Team A lifelong volunteer, Cooney started giving her time as a teenager and has been doing so ever since. As a patient of St. Mike’s, she was interestedin the idea of patient advocacy when they approached her about being part of a new Patient Advisory Council five years ago. She was elected co-chair and has been active with the council ever since.

Why I volunteer: “The satisfaction I get from volunteer work is better than any payment possible. And there is such an urgent need for help at all levels within the health-care system. The demand is high, but the rewards are great.”

SUE SQUIRES

Where: Thornbury, Ont. The charity: Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre Hope Haven, located south of Thornbury in Markdale, of fers equestrian sport, horsemanship and therapy programs to kids with disabilities and unique needs in a caring and safe environment. With an overall aim of promoting self-confidence and coping skills, this adaptive program relies 100 per cent on volunteers and donations.

Why I volunteer: “It’s a wonderful feeling giving back to my community. It’s great for anyone to have this additional aspect of their life where they can help give back, learn new things, meet new people, and it usually turns out to be more than they imagined.”

JANANEE SAVUNT HARANATHAN

Where: Mississauga, Ont.

The charity: Rotary Club Savunt haranathan started volunteering with the Rotary Club at events such as marathons and at the food bank when she was 14 years old. She continued through university, where Rotary was a great way to make new f riends and gain mentors.

Why I volunteer: “I’ve volunteered with Rotary internationally, which has been amazing. But at the end of the day, the biggest reason I volunteer is to feel part of my community. Ask yourself, what you want to get out of volunteering and what do you feel passionate about.”

EMMA FISHMAN

Where: King City, Ont

The charity: Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary Fishman has been volunteering at world-renowned Dog Tales Rescue for five years. Set on 50 acres, Dog Tales specializes in healing and rehabilitating abused and neglected dogs while they wait for their forever homes. “We have about 100 dogs, and hundreds of volunteers who cuddle, walk and clean, plus volunteers who look after rescued farm animals that are not for adoption,” said Fishman. “We give them love, attention and high standards of care.”

Why I volunteer: “It’s important to me that every dog knows they are loved. And when they’re comfortable enough to return that love — that means the world to me. I believe any role in volunteering makes you a better person.”

ABHISHEK SARATHY

Where: Toronto

The charity: Centre for Connected Communities, a project of MakeWay. As the co-chair of the steering committee, Sarathy was involved with this community development strategy organization from 2020 to 2022 and continues to support its evolution. He is involved in supporting initiatives that connect communities and ensure all voices at the table are heard.

Why I volunteer: “As a newcomer to this country 25 years ago, I looked for volunteer opportunities as a way to build my confidence and get to know the people in my community. It also helped me find purpose and find ways to address systemic inequities that exist in our society. Now, I mentor other newcomers and tell them about the power of volunteerism.”

CINDY TAYLOR

Where: St. Marys, Ont. The charity: Giving Tuesday The community of St. Mary’s started participating in Giving Tuesday, with 18 business partners in 2017. “Now we have close to 100 partners from businesses, school and social groups, churches and more,” said Taylor, a business owner in St. Mary’s, who started the initiative and continues to lead the charge today. This year, the theme is “Pull up a Chair.” The community donated about 100 chairs, and people were invited to design and decorate the chairs.

Why I volunteer: “I’m super proud of what our community is doing. Some of the chairs are true works of art. We’ll be auctioning them locally on Giving Tuesday to support inclusive community dinners. It’s humbling to be part of it.”

Where: Halifax, N. S. The charity: Halifax Gives More As a professional fundraiser, Lyon was inspired to use her skills to volunteer during the first Giving Tuesday to pull together her community, and in 2015 founded Halifax Gives More.

SARAH LYON

Why I volunteer: : “Raising money is important, but we also like to focus on what philanthropy means to our community. On Giving Tuesday, we come together as a movement to highlight the generosity of Nova Scotians. Spend every Tuesday being kind; kindness can come in whatever form you can make it that day.”

EBUBE ESSINAH

Where: Toronto

The charity: Lady Ballers Camp As a teenager, Essinah began volunteering at Lady Ballers Camp, a program for girls that encourages physical, emotional and educational development through non-competitive sports and extracurricular activities. He didn’t know much about the organization when he started volunteering but saw the positive impact it had on so many girls’ lives. “I come from a background in Nigeria,” said Essinah, “where girls were not really supported.” While he has volunteered in a variety of ways, including donating his professional photography skills, Essinah now serves as secretary of the board.

Why I volunteer: “Volunteering holds a special place in my heart. I really felt like simply writing a cheque wasn’t enough. Find a cause that you really care about and donate your time as well as your money because you never know whose life you’ll positively impact.”

ANES RACHID

Where: Brampton, Ont. The charity: Startup Peel Rachid’s business background, working in economic development for the City of Brampton, has been valuable in his volunteer position with Startup Peel, a volunteerled organization that connects, supports, unifies and strengthens Canadian entrepreneurs. “My role is to help with events and start-ups involved with the organization. For example, I’m in the process of reviewing business cases for start-ups being considered for the Entrepreneurship World Cup.”

Why I volunteer: “I’m passionate about helping start-ups and small businesses as a volunteer. A lot of what we take for granted in our communities is based on volunteerism. It’s not always fancy, but it’s at the foundation of any community.”

LORRAINE LANGLOIS

Where: Toronto The charity: CAMH Gifts of Light Since 2017, Langlois has been very involved with Gifts of Light, a donor-funded program in which volunteers help service more than 14,000 of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) patients by providing necessities such as clothing and hygiene items, as well as programming experiences. “Often, they arrive with nothing,” said Langlois, “so, we offer them the basics of life and give them back some dignity.”

Why I volunteer: “We all have a history of depression or addiction in our families, circle of friends or work colleagues. For me, something like this that affects us all is a great outlet to give back.”