Volunteers make a world of difference!

National Volunteer Week, April 28-May 4, is a time to recognize and appreciate the tireless efforts of volunteers who make a positive impact in their communities. Alongside Hope is proud to highlight the contributions of its volunteers, who embody our organization’s mission to create a truly just, healthy and peaceful world.

What makes Alongside Hope special is the people. It’s the diverse group of volunteers who bring their own stories, passions, and perspectives to the table.

Emmajane Donnan’s enthusiasm and kindness have made her a valued member of the Alongside Hope Youth Council. A student of music and science at Memorial University in St. John’s, Nfld., Emmajane brings a creative and analytical approach to her volunteer work. She’s been with our organization for over a year and a half, and her faith and sense of community have driven her to make a positive impact. She’s found that volunteering with Alongside Hope has not only allowed her to give back but also to grow as a person. “I learned that it’s really important to work together with lots of people and go at the point of view from everyone because everyone has different sorts of expertise,” Emmajane says. Her experience has taught her the value of collaboration and the importance of considering diverse perspectives.

Recently, Emmajane’s travelled to Kenya with an Alongside Hope delegation, where she witnessed the impact of Alongside Hope’s work. “I loved meeting people and seeing hands-on what impact Alongside Hope has globally,” she says.

Nandita Harricharan’s passion for international development and global issues is evident in her work with Alongside Hope. She’s been with Alongside Hope for over a year, researching potential grant opportunities and working closely with our fundraising staff in Toronto. With a background in international development studies and public policy, Nandita brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization.

Nandita’s experience as an immigrant to Canada has shaped her perspective on global issues. She’s found that volunteering with Alongside Hope has allowed her to connect with like-minded individuals and make a meaningful contribution. “I love that each research session we do starts with a discussion on current events,” Nandita says. “It keeps us connected with what’s going on in the world, and I feel like it helps me understand and consider how much I want to be involved.”

Nandita’s advice to those interested in volunteering is to take the leap and get involved. “Just do it,” she says. By volunteering with Alongside Hope, Nandita has gained new skills, perspectives, and connections that have enriched her life.

Nancy and John Denham are a dynamic part of the Alongside Hope volunteer team. They have been working towards truth and reconciliation in their community in British Columbia since 2018. As facilitators of the Mapping Exercise, they’ve been instrumental in raising awareness about the history of colonialism in Canada. Their commitment to the TRC Calls to Action and their work in building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are a testament to their dedication.

The Denhams experiences have taught them the importance of creating safe and respectful spaces for difficult conversations. “It was quite a personal challenge to both allow someone to speak, and at the same time maintain a respectful and safe space for all those who were participating,” they say. Their advice to those interested in Truth and Reconciliation work is to seek knowledge, understanding and good support. “It’s emotionally demanding work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” they say.

The contributions of Emmajane, Nandita, Nancy and John are just a few examples of the many ways volunteers are making a difference with Alongside Hope. Their selflessness, compassion, and dedication inspire others to get involved and create positive change in the world.

Get involved with Alongside Hope!

Alongside Hope welcomes volunteers from all walks of life, whether you’re looking to make a one-time contribution or a long-term commitment. Our volunteer opportunities range from small tasks to larger roles, and we appreciate every bit of time and talent you can share.

Contact Kim Umbach, our Volunteer Coordinator, at kumbach@alongsidehope.org to learn more about how you can make a world of difference.