This post was written by Filsan Abdi, Volunteer Coordinator at the Women’s Centre
In honour of National Volunteer week, we would like to express our utmost appreciation for our dedicated and talented volunteers. As a Volunteer Program Coordinator at the Women’s Centre, I have the absolute pleasure of working with some of these volunteers on a daily basis. In 2017, we had 700 active volunteers who provided service, participated in fundraising efforts, and went out into the community as community ambassadors. To say that our volunteers are an extremely valuable resource to the Women’s Centre is a major understatement. In addition, some of our volunteers share their time by volunteering for multiple opportunities at the Centre, supporting the Centre again and again in spite of the full and busy lives they all live.
The following are a couple of volunteer stores we want to share with you. In addition, if you find these stories as inspirational as we do, please feel free to share your own stories with us!
Story 1 – By Anonymous
I came, as a volunteer, to the Women’s Centre in a time of personal struggle. I had recently been laid off from a large energy company due to the economic downturn and was having difficulty finding new work. My struggles aside, I knew my newly found free time (and energy) was an opportunity, more so than a barrier. In July 2015, I signed on as a Peer Support volunteer with the Women’s Centre of Calgary and, in the seven short months I have worked with the Centre, I have experienced more fulfillment and satisfaction in my work than I could have ever imagined. I have found support and strength in the women at the Centre, and I strive to give back all that has been given to me!
Story 2 – By Andrea Cox-Philip
For several years, I always wanted to volunteer where I can help people, especially women. The beginning of 2017 I decided that was my year to start working on my bucket list. I came across the Women’s Centre when our church received a letter from the Centre and it was given to me. Volunteering at the Women’s Centre has been an absolute pleasure. I am able to utilize strengths that [were] dormant for years. Between answering the phones, and assisting various women from all walks of life, socialising with other volunteers and staff is one of my favourite times of the week. When I leave here at the end of my shift, I always feel amazing and that I was able to give back and make a difference in someone’s life. The Women’s Centre is a place where any women can come and get away from the busyness and stress of life and just be there for each other. What more can one ask for?
I personally believe that the combination of our peer model and all the incredible people involved here makes the Women’s Centre an excellent place to volunteer.
To our volunteers, thank you to every one of you for donating your precious time and skills to the Women’s Centre. You are simply priceless and we are incredibly lucky to have you on our team.
Thank you!