This is the next installment of We are Neighbours, a monthly series about people who volunteer with Burnaby Neighbourhood House.
We have the typical immigrant story - we wanted a better life for our children.
We decided on Canada, but knew little about Burnaby. The only thing we had heard was that the Burnaby school system was excellent. As a mother of two children, this was the tipping point - we took a leap of faith and landed in Burnaby.
As soon as we arrived, our children immediately wanted to stay. However, we adults did not adapt quite so quickly. Everything was new and felt so different.
Our first struggle was finding a permanent residence - our Airbnb was no home. When we found a place near our daughter’s school, our situation became a little bit better. Everything felt more settled and less scary. The next item on our agenda was to meet people and gain work experience.
We were advised to try volunteering.
The concept of volunteering and working without payment is foreign. Why would anyone work for free? It's crazy. When asked, I was told that volunteering was a type of training and if you like to help people, many opportunities to do so are available.
I have a degree in chemistry and an MBA in marketing and International business, but the volunteer position I applied for was a front desk receptionist at the Burnaby Neighbourhood South House.
This was my first customer service position and my first work experience in Canada. I must admit that I was nervous. However, everyone was friendly, helpful and understanding and I quickly gained confidence.
I think this position was a good opportunity for me to step out of my home, gain some new abilities and connect with my community.
I have recently received my work permit and am searching for a paid position. I have decided to continue volunteering at the South House even after I find paid work. The people and place have become an important part of my life; I have found a place where I belong. I also have come to understand why Canadians feel it is so important to help in their communities – volunteering benefits everyone. Try it, you will love it.
The Burnaby Neighbourhood House is a charitable, non-profit organization with a unique focus on neighbours supporting neighbours. Check us out at www.burnabynh.ca.
