Stories from newcomer volunteers
Nadia, volunteer at Centre des femmes de Montréal
[...] Volunteering gives me a reason to go out, to see how the work is
going here, the relationships with people. It has also helped me to
learn the language. I knew a little French, but when you don't practice
at home... But, here at the Women's Centre, I started to practice, that
helped me a lot to improve my French.
Volunteering has also allowed me to better understand relationships,
attitudes and ways of working. Studying is one thing, working is
another. Volunteering, it's almost a job. You aren't paid, but there
are responsibilities. You are not just passing time to pass the time;
we are giving our time for others. There is a responsibility in doing
this work... each person should be aware of what she (he) is doing.
[...]I think volunteering will help me in my job search because here,
in doing my volunteer work, I work more with people than I did while I
was working as an engineer. Before, my work was more technical, with
machines, it was something else. Here, I am working with people,
welcoming them, talking to them, it's a different way to see things.
Carole, former volunteer at Projet Changement
[...]By volunteering, you get to know the people around you and their
environment a little more. Knowing people and knowing how they work
helped me a lot.
[...] When you help other people, it normally makes you happy. It can
also really change your life, that's why I've been enjoying it so much.
Marja, volunteer at Centre des femmes de Montréal
Volunteering brings me a lot of happiness. Despite the fatigue I
sometimes feel because I am also pursuing my studies.... I've always
been like this, even in my country, helping others made me very happy.
From the very fist day I started working here, I've been volunteering
at the food bank and at the locker room... and from that moment on,
I've felt very comfortable here. I feel like it has provided a
psychological adavantage for me. When I give something, when I share it
with others, it gives me a lot of happiness.
I think that for each immigrant who comes here, it's very difficult.
Coming to Canada is a huge step. For me, it was probably even more
difficult because I was alone. I didn't come with my family because I
primarily wanted to study, to improve the other aspects of my life.
Now, I think I've found my way.
Wilson Santana, former volunteer at Les Amis de la Montagne
« I think the best part of volunteering at Les Amis de la Montagne is
to learn new things. Coming from a background completely different from
environment and biology, I could learn a lot.
[...] Volunteering there has also helped with my self-esteem : first,
it is very good to feel useful. And second, it is even better when you
are recognized for what you do. And sure, it is a good distraction.
Doing something not related to your field of activity is really a good
way of refreshing your ideas. »