What does volunteering mean to you ?
Volunteering plays a crucial role in my life. It represents an essential balance to my professional life. As a Project Manager, the initiatives I launch must first and foremost be profitable, otherwise they won’t be viable !
As a newcomer to Canada, I’m also looking for a job and aware of the importance of integrating and adopting Quebec values. That’s why I’m reluctant to spend all my time pursuing profit. This approach also allows me to put some of my skills to good use for causes that transcend the financial aspect.
Personally, I’m convinced that community organizations play an essential role in the smooth running of society. I see devoting time to them as a form of political commitment with a direct impact.
What do you get out of it ?
Volunteering gives me immense personal satisfaction in knowing that I’m making a difference in other people’s lives. It also strengthens my sense of belonging to the community and gives me the opportunity to develop new skills while forging valuable links with other volunteers and community members.
Among the volunteers I had the opportunity to help, there was a person with solid experience in the medical field, but who found herself at a loss when it came to the administrative formalities required to practice in Quebec. During our exchange, I was able to offer her some valuable advice. Her sincere gratitude touched me deeply, and made me fully appreciate the positive impact I could have on others.
How long have you been volunteering ?
Volunteering has been an integral part of my life since I was a child. My parents were very involved in volunteering, which made it an ordinary activity for me. From the age of 5 or 6, I was already involved in activities such as sorting clothes, and even collecting them, sharing this experience at school.
Every year, I find this experience more rewarding and enriching. Moreover, as soon as I arrived in Canada, the first thing I did was to find out how I could be of service to the community and get involved in volunteering.
What is your role at VBM ?
At the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal, I’m currently a placement counsellor for aspiring volunteers. My role is to assess the skills, interests and aspirations of potential volunteers with a view to directing them towards suitable volunteer opportunities, and to ensure a regular follow-up to assess volunteer satisfaction, gather feedback and adjust advice accordingly.
April 11th 2024
