Activity

Volunteering is one of beautiful Canadian cultures I have learned.

I lived in Vancouver when I first came to Canada. After my son was born, I always took him to the local library. There were a lot of programs run by volunteers. One of our favourite programs was the sing-along for toddles. We could sing and read with other mums and babies together. It was a very good time. At that time, I discovered more and more about volunteers’ programs in Canada.

It is amazing how the volunteers can run the program in a very systematic way. Each volunteer works his/her field of interest. You can choose to do whatever you feel you are capable of. If you feel you can carry out the duty of Manager or Secretary, you can be one of them if the rest of the volunteering team agrees. All you need to do is to spend your time, follow guidelines and complete your jobs. Sometimes you may need to complete some online training.

Few years ago, I volunteered as a Youth Sunday School Teacher, and I enjoyed it. During the class, we had some ice breaker game. Besides, I spent my time at church. I attended the regular meetings for the school committee parent group, the cadets parent group, and the school band parent group. In the parent groups, you can get to know how to raise funds for your projects to help your kids to learn or go on the yearly overseas trip. My participation in the parents group helped my kid to understand how much I care about him.

After my Cancer treatment, I started to coach the junior boy basketball team in the high school from last November until March this year. I enjoy spending my time to arrange some activities for kids. It is very meaningful to me. I feel satisfied to see the kids grow and learn. It is a good return when you do not get paid, and it is a good healing after you have been sick for a long time. It is the best medicine.

I encourage everyone to be a volunteer, it is not only helping others, and it is also helping yourself to have joy when you are able to make things happen. I feel I am not limited with my grades or my qualifications. I am proud of being a Canadian.