Volunteer

Volunteer Testimonials:

Meet Sarah Cuzzetto

To me, United Way is more than just somewhere I volunteer my time. I am truly rewarded and gain perspective every time I am involved in a United Way event.
My association with Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way started six years ago when I joined my colleagues at a Day of Caring event. At that time, I had no clear vision of United Way or of the impact they had on our community. But the Days of Caring taught me. It all began with a community garden revitalization project in Brock, then a Christmas in July dinner at the ASK Wellness Centre, a spruce-up of the BC SPCA building and grounds, and, most recently, a poignant day of gardening and interaction with the women of the House of Ruth. Through these events, I have learned how every dollar the United Way works hard to raise is put back into the community to work hard for those in need.

Two years ago, I was asked to sit on the Campaign Cabinet as Co-Chair of the Finance Division. I jumped at the challenge. The role of a cabinet member is to engage the people in his or her networks and encourage them to give back to their communities, partly through workplace campaigns. United Way supports these campaigns by arranging speakers from community partners to talk about the work they do and how United Way funds make a real impact on their members. Every year, people in the Thompson, Nicola, and Cariboo communities amaze me with their generosity, and this past year was a perfect example. After repeated business closures and lay-offs at local mills, I knew that we would all have to dig really deep to achieve our fundraising goal. At the campaign wrap-up in early December, a large group of community members gathered in anticipation of the total. I am very proud to say that we surpassed the previous year’s total and are able to continue funding those in the community with the greatest need. Moments like these remind me why I give both time and money to my community.

Many people wonder what happens after the annual fundraising campaign is finished. Where does the money go and how does it get to those most deserving? This question leads me to my most recent United Way experience. For the past two years I have been invited to work through the allocation process, in which the Board of Directors and select community members assess applications and interview people from organizations in Kamloops and Merritt that are looking to secure United Way funds. One thing I have noticed is that the requests for funding always exceed the amount of money available. Those involved in the allocation process constantly struggle to ensure that essential community services are not without the means to continue their good work. While I realize how generous our community truly is, I understand how much more we still need to give. My involvement in this allocation process has brought me full circle with United Way.

Being introduced to many of our community groups and their needs has enhanced my awareness and made me more passionate about making our community better. This is what enabled me, in this past year, to educate and engage my peers at Canadian Western Bank in our first United Way workplace campaign. I am immensely grateful for what United Way has shared with me and given to the community I call home.

Meet Erika Gardham

When I began volunteering with the United Way through my leadership class, I was not as involved with the community as I am today. My attitude about helping others has become more positive because of United Way and I am feel I am making a difference in the lives of others. It is a satisfying and selfless occupation and I commend those who work at United Way for a living. The staff at United Way has taught me an abundance of skills that I feel will make me a better person, from empathy, to the kind of kindness you can only find in a true friend. I am humbled everyday I volunteer there and witness those who give their time selflessly everyday to others who are less fortunate. This makes me want to be a better person and to pursue my dreams to help people in any way I can.

I am a student at Brocklehurst Secondary, which is a very community-involved school. Our goal for the year is for every class to “Go Beyond Yourself.” Some classes and students have really taken this to heart. A few classes focused on helping the greater community. One class raised over $2,100 for B.C. Children’s Hospital. They did this by selling T-shirts with inspiring quotes, while another class raised money and bought a goat for a third world country. Other classes focused on helping those in Kamloops. A necessity drive was organized that provided those less fortunate with daily needed products; the drive raised over 800 diapers plus other products. Another class went in the direction of “going green” and picked apples from an orchard that was being torn down. The apples were donated to our local food bank. Many other classes have participated in this program and have helped the communities in great ways.

Meet Buddy Schweitzer

I am a mother of two compassionate, articulate young women and Grandmother of two.  I feel that family celebrations with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, especially Birthday parties are the reason for their well rounded personalities and successes in life.  Volunteering with the Birthday Blessing programs gives me the opportunity to help make special times for less fortunate children and their families.  My greatest joy is the faces of the children when they see the special cake, made just for them.  A little boy’s quote “all for me!” says it all.

Meet Kent Wong

As a professional photographer living in Kamloops for 30 years, I and my family have been blessed with the patronage of many who love the work I produce.  Understanding the need to give back to the community which has supported us these many years, United Way has been a relatively new organization for me in which to volunteer my photographic skills.  Melodie Grabner, who is a member colleague of mine in the Rotary Club of Kamloops Daybreak, asked if I would consider being involved after explaining what was required of me.

Attending the many functions and events that United Way convenes has given me a much better understanding of the reasons why this organization exists.  Seeing the emotions on the recipient faces of those benefitting from the reach of United Way has led me to want to stay involved, knowing that any small effort on my part plays a role in the organization's success.  I've learned over my years with United Way that it's not always the biggest donations that make the difference but it's the efforts of the many that make the success great.
 It feels wonderful to be part of that team!

Meet Nezar Alsalem

On my first day of volunteering, I felt excited and nervous at the same time. I was excited because I wanted to work as a volunteer in an environment different than my culture. I had worked as a volunteer in Saudi Arabia, so this opportunity gave me the chance to learn more about Canadian culture, and compare the differences in volunteering between Canada and my home. I was confused because it was my first time working in a different environment and many questions came to my mind that made me feel confused about the work. All I could do was be patient and optimistic. When I was involved with United Way, the people who I worked with were friendly and very nice. While I was doing my work, they were always asking me if I needed any help, and they appreciated me because I was helping them; I felt comfortable while I was a part of their team.

 I had a very wonderful experience when I was volunteering with United Way. When the staff saw me working as a volunteer they felt really happy and that encouraged me to work because I felt that volunteering with them is a great service to the community. The wonderful thing about volunteering with United Way is that every time I went, I had new tasks and was always learning. I especially liked group work. I worked with another volunteer named Erica. One of the great things about working with a partner is you can become friends and that is what happened with Erica and I; she is really a very kind person. I did some projects on the computer and I answered the phone in the office. One of the best things about volunteering with United Way was serving a dinner to the homeless. We made a dinner containing a salad, chilli and desserts, and served around 95 people. It was really something meaningful to help people who need food. I liked that this event required teamwork and that we were organized about doing everything from beginning to end. I am so proud of being a part of a community that helps people.

Volunteering with United Way was a great experience. I learned many things and I made friends with people who try to help the people in our community. It is really nice to be one of the people who try to help the community in one way or another. The feeling of being someone who helps the poor and needy is something meaningful and makes me feel happy to be a part of the community that wants to make a positive difference.

To conclude, I gained many benefits from working with United Way, and I will not forget many things from this great experience. I will still work with them as a volunteer because it is not just about the course; it is about the community and helping people.