Volunteer Spotlight: Alex Evans

Volunteer Spotlight: July 2018

Volunteer Spotlight: Alex EvansWe’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again, Volunteers are important to the success of the service we give here at March of Dimes Canada. We appreciate and acknowledge volunteers for all the amazing, incredible and hard work they do. Each month this year, we’ve been getting to know some of the things our volunteers like outside of volunteering.

Meet Alex! She’s our spotlight for July.

July Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Alex Evans

Nominated By: Maryam Iqbal

Position Description: Supportive Communication Facilitator

Age: 24 years old

How long have you been an MODC Volunteer? Almost 3 years

What is your favourite part about volunteering with MODC? 

It is so fulfilling to be able to see the difference you can make in someone’s life just by being present. My favourite part is watching individuals grow more confident in themselves. I love helping out with the Aphasia and Communication Peer Support Group because it brightens any bad day, and I know it’s the highlight for their day as well.

A book you would recommend?

I am currently reading the Alice Network and I would recommend it to anyone who likes strong female characters, mystery, and historical fiction.

What is your go-to dessert? Dark chocolate!

If you had a superpower, what would it be? I would like to be able to bend time – there are not enough hours in the day.

What is your favourite movie?  If I had to pick one of my all-time favourites, Clue (1985).

Maryam Iqbal nominated Alex. Erica has added why they chose to nominate this volunteer.

Alex, is truly committed to everything that she does. She really flourished and gained confidence throughout the time that she spent volunteering for the Aphasia Friendly Peer Support Group.”

She is very open to learning news things and is eager to take on new challenges.

Alex, is truly committed to everything that she does. She really flourished and gained confidence throughout the time that she spent volunteering for the Aphasia Friendly Peer Support Group.”

Volunteer Spotlight: Alex Evans. Go-to Dessert: Dark Chocolate!

Volunteer Spotlight: March 2018

Volunteers are vital to the success of our programs of March of Dimes Canada. We appreciate and acknowledge volunteers for all the amazing, incredible and hard work they do. This year we’re getting to know some of them a little more in these blog profiles!

Meet Darlene Johnson, our spotlight for March!

March Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Darlene Johnson

Volunteer Position: Communication Program Volunteer – ACDP Peterborough Site

What is your favorite part about volunteering with MODC?

How the clients are so motivated to improve their own communication and how they support each other through the process. I look forward to volunteering at the Peterborough Aphasia program because they provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for clients, caregivers and the volunteers. The staff set the tone and they are knowledgeable, skilled and demonstrate respect for each individual that they encounter.

What are 3 adjectives you would use to describe yourself?

Caring, Friendly, Respectful

What is your favorite hobby?

Quilting

What is your favorite TV show?

Call the Midwife (because of a Nursing background)

How long have you been an MODC volunteer?

1.5 Years

We asked Elisha and Sara why they nominated this volunteer.

“Darlene’s positive nature, energy, and welcoming attitude deserve recognition! On top of her friendly personality, she displays kindness and concern for the well-being of our clients, supporting their strengths and encouraging them to develop new skills. As staff (and I’m sure clients feel the same) we’re very fortunate to have Darlene as part of our team.”

Sara Piotrowska (Staff Partner)

Her patience and willingness to learn and use supportive communication strategies ensures that clients’ messages are expressed, all clients are engaged, and conversation is mutually beneficial. – Sara

“The first thing that strikes me about Darlene is her caring and empathetic attitude in the program. She is genuinely interested in the clients and their well-being! She actively inquires about their lives and is always supportive of their interests. She is also very patient, allowing clients to respond in their own time and always encourages them to use the strategies to support their communication. It’s very evident how much the clients appreciate Darlene’s time and effort!”

Elisha Nesci (Staff Partner)

Volunteer Spotlight: Darlene Johnson. 3 Adjectives used to describe herself: Caring, Friendly, Respectful

If you’d like to learn more about March of Dimes Canada’s volunteering opportunities, please visit this landing page from their site: http://bit.ly/MODCVol