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I have been a community volunteer for most of my life. My journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters began in my 20s, where I first served as a Big Sister, helped create group activities for kids and later joined the board of directors. Today, I’m proud to contribute to the organization as a staff member, continuing to support its impactful mission. Over the years, I’ve also volunteered with the YMCA, Junior Achievement, the Canadian Cancer Society, and numerous area running races, where I’ve had the chance to connect with inspiring individuals and causes. Volunteering has always been a core value for me—it’s a way to give back to the community that has given me so much. I believe we all have the power to make a difference, one step at a time.

Kristina Pringle is the Community Support Services and Volunteer Coordinator at West Elgin Community Health Centre. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, she previously served as the Manager of Volunteers and Training at United Way Elgin Middlesex, where she remains an Impact Speaker. Kristina strongly believes that a vibrant community is built through the engagement of its citizens. In addition to her professional role, she actively volunteers with the Optimist Club of West Lorne and the West Elgin Economic Development Committee. Kristina is also a proud mom of three, a homesteader, and a small business owner in West Elgin.

My name is Mary Giesbrecht and I am Human Resources with MCS. Our organization is a non profit charity that assists newcomers to the area. Our programs include settlement services, employment services, an ethnic radio station, family support programs such as Mom & Baby and the Aylmer Thrift Store. We assist newcomers with everything from immigration services to furnishing their new home. We depend on volunteers in every aspect of our work. We have the help of volunteers in our driving and interpretation programs, radio programming and our thrift store. Volunteerism is a wonderful way to connect to community, engage with and make new friends and support those in need. Connect with us to start your volunteer journey with us.

Tifanie Smith serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for VON, where she has been involved in promoting volunteerism in the community for several years. She has a background in social work and mental health which informs her approach to managing volunteer programs.

Residing in St. Thomas, Tifanie balances her responsibilities as a coordinator with her role as a mother of two. In her position, she focuses on creating opportunities for individuals to engage in volunteer work that supports both personal growth and community development. Tifanie has played a key role in fostering an inclusive environment for volunteers, helping them feel valued and empowered. Her efforts aim to encourage community involvement and enhance the overall impact of volunteerism in the area.

Tifanie actively collaborates with local organizations to identify areas where volunteers can make the most significant difference, ensuring that their contributions are both meaningful and impactful. Her dedication is evident in the numerous successful initiatives she has spearheaded, each designed to bring communities closer together and address local needs effectively. Through her work, Tifanie not only highlights the importance of volunteerism but also demonstrates how collective efforts can lead to lasting positive change in the community.