Volunteering: a rewarding experience
It was a moment that really hit home for Matthew. While attending a volunteer appreciation event at SickKids, a patient stood up in front of the group to share his story. As he shared his SickKids experience and how much the hospital has impacted his life, Matthew had a realization.“Even though I always have a great time helping out at events and truly enjoy the experience, actually hearing from someone who has been helped by the hospital gave me a deep sense of pride and fulfillment. To know my actions are helping to make a positive impact on a child’s life, on the lives of many kids at SickKids; it just meant a lot to me to hear him speak. It really put things into perspective.”
“I had such an amazing time helping out at Bubble Hockey Night for SickKids,” said Matthew. “It also felt so rewarding to know I was making a difference. From there, I guess you could say I was hooked, and volunteering my time at future SickKids Foundation events became something I looked forward to constantly.”
“It gives you a sense of gratitude, fulfillment and purpose.”
Aleesha and Matthew went on to volunteer at Glitter, Scrubs in the City and The Great Camp Adventure Walk.
“Volunteering is such an important experience to be part of,” said Aleesha. “I’m happy to play a small part in the amazing things SickKids can accomplish by raising funds at the events I volunteer at.”
It was The Great Camp Adventure Walk that really made an impression on Aleesha. Having volunteered at numerous SickKids Foundation events prior to the Walk, she was honoured when asked to take on the role of Camp Crew Co-Captain for the Camp shuttle service.
“Having the chance to work more closely with the Foundation and contribute even more to the event was amazing,” said Aleesha. “I was honoured that the Foundation trusted me to take on that responsibility. It meant a lot that I was able to be more involved and it made me feel even more passionate about the success of the event.”
For both Aleesha and Matthew, volunteering is extremely rewarding.
“It gives you a sense of gratitude, fulfillment and purpose,” said Matthew. “Volunteering is a selfless act, but at the same time, the personal reward I feel at the end of the day is priceless.”
“It is so great to see first-hand how giving people can be,” said Aleesha. “I am proud to be part of that. I’m grateful for the experiences because each volunteer opportunity has helped me grow as a person too.”
Aleesha and Matthew enjoyed their first year volunteering with SickKids Foundation so much that they committed to helping out in 2017 as well.
“After meeting the other volunteers and also working with the Foundation staff, you realize just how passionate everyone is about SickKids and it rubs off on you,” said Matthew.
After a fulfilling second year helping out at a variety of Foundation fundraising events, Aleesha and Matthew are looking forward to their final volunteer opportunity of 2017: The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk on September 23.
Starting out at Fort York, over 3,000 participants will gather together for our 5th annual outdoor family adventure walk around the City of Toronto.
We need more people like Aleesha and Matthew to help us on the frontlines, from leading awesome activities, to encouraging participants along the walk route, to helping with fundraising leading up to the day.
As a Crew member you can give back to your community while volunteering with friends, family and/or colleagues. Jr. Crew (ages 14-18) can also earn community hours for school. A T-shirt, breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. Camp Crew pay a nominal registration fee and are encouraged to join the fight for children’s health by fundraising for SickKids. At The Great Camp Adventure Walk in 2016, we raised $2.1 million!
Interested in learning more? Check out the highlights video from last year’s event and then head over to www.walkforsickkids.ca where you can register to be part of this year’s Crew team.
Have questions? Give us a shout at crew@walkforsickkids.ca.