Celebrating DIVERSEcity’s Volunteer Program
It’s National Volunteer Week (April 24–30) in Canada, and this year’s theme is “Empathy in Action.”
Empathy helps people relate to others and better understand different experiences and perspectives. This helps build communities. Volunteers who give their energy, talents and time are leaders in this.
At DIVERSEcity, we know this well. The work we do to support newcomers and underserved populations in Surrey, BC, and surrounding areas, is made better by dozens of volunteers across our programs. From doing wellness calls and delivering groceries to isolated seniors, to helping newcomers practise English and learn about Canada, DIVERSEcity’s volunteers are truly “empathy in action.”
When we asked our volunteers why they gave their time to help, they gave us answers like: “This is the right thing to do”; “I am grateful for what I have and I want to pay it forward”; “Those we help need to know they matter”; and “No one should be left behind.”
Vandna Saxena, one of DIVERSEcity’s volunteers who contributed more than 200 hours of her time to helping vulnerable clients during the pandemic, has displayed true empathy while helping others. “When I was a newcomer myself, it was very challenging. DIVERSEcity helped with many of my complications. Volunteering with them is my way of giving back,” says Saxena, who was the recipient of DIVERSEcity’s Tom Kwok Community Champion Award in 2021.
Learn more about volunteering with DIVERSEcity at dcrs.ca/volunteer.