The impact of generosity

Volunteering
August 22, 2018 •  By Centraide
Témoignage Virginie

“Going on the tour and seeing all the agencies that Centraide supports is incredible!”
“What I appreciate about Centraide is the smart way they support the agencies that are most in need.”

The first time I volunteered, it was for a Centraide agency in my city that pairs each volunteer with a young person. I spent a few hours a week with one girl, and organized activities based on her interests and passions. I saw the impact this had on her, like when I took her to a movie theatre for the first time. She was so enthralled! I wanted to show her the special things that life has to offer. It gave me such a good feeling. I wanted to keep getting involved and giving back to the community as much as I could.

Later, when I worked as the campaign director for Centraide, we organized a bus tour through an underprivileged neighbourhood. Going on the tour and seeing all the agencies that Centraide supports is incredible! The impact of their work can be seen on almost every street corner.

What’s great for people who volunteer with Centraide is that there’s something for everyone. Some people are good at finding sponsorship for an event, while others enjoy being in the field to help agencies find volunteers. You can also get involved at your own workplace by organizing activities or awareness campaigns.

We stopped to meet the director of an agency that works with families in the neighbourhood, as well as some of the families they help. Those families told us how much this support is valued. That was really an extraordinary moment.

What’s great for people who volunteer with Centraide is that there’s something for everyone. Some people are good at finding sponsorship for an event, while others enjoy being in the field to help agencies find volunteers. You can also get involved at your own workplace by organizing activities or awareness campaigns.

Visit agencies in person and meet the people they help. This is what always motivates me the most. When you see the concrete impact that Centraide has on the community, you get a feeling of accomplishment. You want to keep helping.”

— Virginie