People choose to volunteer for different reasons. For some, volunteering is a way to give back to their community or make a difference to people who need a hand up. For others, it’s an opportunity to support a cause close to their hearts. Whatever the motivators are, volunteerism offers ways to develop new skills, meet new people, and create new experiences – not to mention have a positive impact on the world.
At MCAP, we have always believed in putting people and local communities first. As a company, we are dedicated to giving back to the communities in which we do business and to supporting our employees in their personal missions to help others. We are proud to offer many ways for our employees to get involved and are conscious to foster an environment that encourages them to find ways to give back in unique and personal ways.
In honour of National Volunteer Week, we recognize and celebrate all volunteers – and are proud to profile two MCAP employees who are truly making a difference.
Grace C: Volunteering Has Always Been a Part of Life
Volunteering has always been an important part of Grace C’s life. As a youth, she spent her summers volunteering at a day camp and loved to volunteer over the holidays wrapping gifts in the mall to raise funds for the local Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). For Grace, volunteering is about being in the community, about caring for other people, and developing character. Plus, volunteering had a very positive personal outcome for Grace. “My wife and I met while volunteering at Queen Street Commons Café in Kitchener, so my family would not exist without volunteering,” she says.
Finding a new community organization to support
In the last year, Grace had a baby and moved across the country to a small village in New Brunswick. Ever committed to volunteering, one of her priorities was to research local charities and community organizations to support. “I am working to put down roots in this new place,” she says. “My baby is eight months old now and I am just about at the point where I am ready to get back to regular volunteering.” Grace has selected the Port Elgin District Volunteer Action Council (PEDVAC) as the charity she will regularly support.
PEDVAC is a registered charity that provides services to the Port Elgin, New Brunswick district. Their mandate is to support individuals and families in the area that are living below the poverty level, experiencing economic, social and emotional hardships. With much of their income, used for rent, and utilities, there can be little left for food, clothing, and other essential needs. PEDVAC’s purpose is to fulfill these needs, by operating a number of services including a food bank, second hand store, school lunch program, outreach programs, and more.
“I have personally experienced poverty and understand the impact of the cycle of poverty and how hard it can be to break,” explains Grace. “PEDVAC’s mission is very close to my heart.”
PEDVAC was recently the recipient of a contribution through MCAP’s Caring and Sharing program, that allows the organization to support initiatives that matter to staff. Grace has also felt her individual volunteer efforts are supported by MCAP, having used her paid volunteer days to volunteer with various charities, including Habitat for Humanity. “This year I plan to take my volunteer day to support PEDVAC,” says Grace.
Kassia P: A Big Heart for Animals
Kassia P has always lived by the philosophy that true joy is achieved by giving. “Volunteering is a way that allows me to give – whether it is my time or my resources. I have a big heart for animals so helping to be a small part in contributing to their well-being is something I truly value,” says Kassia.
Kassia has taken on two volunteer dog walking roles, including the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA), which she has been involved with for four years, and ElderDog, an organization she has recently joined.
The BC SPCA is a non-profit animal welfare organization that advocates for animal protection legislation, operates animal shelters, and runs educational workshops and public awareness programs throughout British Columbia. ElderDog, meanwhile, is a national, community-based non-profit organization with a mission to assist and support older adults in the care and well-being of their canine companions.
A perfect fit
These organizations are important to Kassia and were a great match for her as a volunteer. “I have always been extremely passionate about animals and I am always very active, so being a volunteer dog walker was a perfect fit for me,” she says. “My time at the shelter is usually one of the most fulfilling parts of my week – whether I’m walking the dogs, socializing puppies, or helping out the team around the shelter, it brings me joy to be a part of it.”
As an MCAP employee, she receives the organization’s full support for her volunteer efforts. “MCAP is an absolutely amazing company to work for in so many ways,” says Kassia. “They foster an environment for their employees to be engaged in their communities through a variety of channels, including Key to Hope, Habitat for Humanity, or local initiatives. And, the Caring and Sharing program allowed me to nominate the BC SPCA to receive an MCAP paid donation. It is truly inspiring that MCAP would help support a cause near and dear to my heart.”
Both Grace and Kassia volunteer regularly with organizations that support causes and communities that matter to them personally. In turn, they are supported by MCAP, who stands behind their volunteering efforts with time and resources that can help them maximize their impact. Working together, MCAP and their employees are making a difference for the people – and animals – in the world around them.
