“I had zero connections in the community and I needed to find friends, I needed to do something!“
30 years ago, Michelle moved to the Tri-Cities from the Eastern part of the U.S., didn’t know a soul and knew she wanted to find a way to connect purposefully with her new community.
“At the time, I would have looked in the Yellow Pages and found the local Volunteer Centre” (which we know today as Community Volunteer Connections). “I had an in-person interview with the volunteer coordinator, who had a book that we went through to find volunteer opportunities that I wanted to apply for”.
Michelle’s volunteer interests
Having interests in wildlife, Michelle found herself at the local wildlife rescue, volunteering to care for injured animals. Her duties were a little of everything, from making the specifically prepared meals for the animals, to feeding Hummingbird chicks through a flower! She stayed, going to the rescue one morning a week for four years. She also volunteered at a local arts education centre, starting off with working a few days a week “doing odds and ends” and helping out anywhere she was needed, including merchandising for the gift shop. That turned into a full-time evening receptionist job, 5 days a week and finally, by the end of 10 years, she was working in the program department. She enjoyed her time there! Today, she believes that those two volunteer experiences led to her current job of ten years, working in a wildlife specialty store.
Friends she met along the way
As she’d hoped to do, she found friends through her volunteer work! Michelle tells the story of how she volunteered alongside another woman at the wildlife rescue. They made fast friends, and since the woman owned a canoe, Michelle experienced canoeing as well, another new skill and fun experience.
Her thoughts on Volunteering?
Michelle has a list of wonderful reasons to volunteer. In her experience she’s found:
- It’s rewarding
- She’s making a difference in the world
- She’s learning new skills and interests
- She feels like she belongs in her community
She’s still volunteering today!
6 Years ago, Michelle received her Canadian citizenship. At the swearing-in ceremony, the Judge suggested that volunteering is an important part of being Canadian, after all, 50% of Canadians volunteer at all times of the year and that percentage grows to 74% during the holiday season. Taking this to heart, Michelle was sworn in on Friday and to celebrate her new citizenship, signed up to volunteer with a local food security and delivery charity on Monday. She’s now both a board member and driver for that organization, loves making a difference, as well as meeting all of the people she helps and volunteers with.
What does Michelle want to share with you about volunteering?
- Be passionate and purposeful about what you volunteer for, it’s the best way to support and contribute to your community
- You get out of the experience what you put in, be brave
- It’s a wonderful way to connect with your community, and make friends
Do you want to start volunteering? Here’s how:
Register HERE with Community Volunteer Connections, you have access to our database of volunteer opportunities HERE and you’ll receive the Volunteer Voice, our bi-weekly newsletter that lists current volunteer opportunities, and describes how to apply. If you wish to have more information or need help with your registration, please reach out to me at my email below. I’m happy to help!
Carey
Coordinator of Volunteer Resources
Community Volunteer Connections believes that volunteers, and organizations that support volunteerism, make a difference in the world.
Volunteers improve the health and well-being of communities by serving the needs of all people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Do you believe in volunteers and the work we do at Community Volunteer Connections? Please consider supporting us through a donation.