volunteer profile - Renee

I love to volunteer! There are so many benefits: new experiences, new things to learn, new people to meet, and often great food, t-shirts, snacks and perks! In the last few years I have volunteered at the Calgary Marathon, Ironman Canada, Calgary Folk Festival, Lilac Festival, The Blues Festival, Calgary Dollars, Olympic Oval, Calgary Culture Club, Projecto Asis Animal Rescue Centre, and of course at Bow Valley College!

Three volunteer positions I have held have led to remunerated work, even though that was not my original goal.

Joanne, the ESL volunteer facilitator at Bow Valley College, and the ESL students have made me feel very appreciated - a feeling many people unfortunately lack in their workplace. Joanne is always offering smiles, positive suggestions, ideas, assistance, and leaving interesting goodies in my mailbox. And hearing the students English improve every week, and their many 'thank yous' is so rewarding.

My husband and I both love the satisfaction we get from volunteering so much, we plan to travel the world as 'professional volunteers' when we retire!!