It is the strong, caring, committed and Christian presence of YU workers among youth in North York that truly helps youth fulfill their life potential and transform their own communities.

Our volunteer staff team includes both Associate Staff, who lead a ministry program, and the many volunteers who serve alongside other staff members within a program, or behind the scenes.

Alex Addo // Jane-Finch Elite Soccer Program Volunteer Alex works closely with Benjamin Osei in leading our soccer program in the Jane-Finch community. Alex brings an incredible soccer history from his native Ghana to the program, as well as a heart for seeing young people grow and develop to be successful in all areas of their lives.

Samantha Donaldson // “Sketch & Believe”  Samantha works with Vanessa Madden in leading the Sketch & Believe girls arts program at Jane-Finch. Samantha has been volunteering now for 2 years, and is dedicated to seeing young pre-teen girls grow in their character and confidence through art.

Amos Kwan // “Revolution(s)” Volunteer  Amos has been working with the Earn-A-Bike program for over a year now. Although he may not be an expert in BMX’ing, his main role at Revolution(s) is a role of presence for the youth participating.

A few profiles of our wonderful volunteers:

Samantha Donaldson

What is your role with S&B?

My role at Sketch and Believe (S&B) is to help preteen girls learn and demonstrate confidence in expressing themselves within their community. In addition, I assist the girls in discovering their creative gifts through different art projects/workshops. I also help to facilitate fun ice-breaker activities as well as devotions and discussions of inspirational quotations.

How did you get involved?

I got involved with the S&B Program because I was in my Third year of University at the time and I was searching for an internship position. However, there was no internship/placement position available but I still decided to join the program and volunteer my time because I was overly impressed with the vision of this organization as well as the type of programs offered to young girls. I especially like that the S&B program is a faith based (Christian) organization. I enjoy working with young people, and I am very passionate about arts and crafts.

How long you’ve been volunteering?

I have been volunteering with Sketch & Believe for 2 years now.

Why you do volunteer?

I volunteer because I learn something new each time I volunteer and I learn how to appreciate life better. I have learnt that one must not always think about oneself all the time, but also think about the well-being of others. I consider myself a very caring and helpful person. Volunteering gives me the chance to explore different avenues in life and learn new skills that will equip me for the future. Furthermore, volunteering gives me the opportunity to challenge myself and discover new talents I never knew I had.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

When I volunteer I get to have fun while doing work that I am passionate about. Volunteering allows for me to have personal growth, and become a better leader and be more assertive.

Describe a memorable experience that happened while volunteering at Sketch & Believe.

There are a few memorable moments that stood out for me at the S&B Program. Firstly, I remember when the girls had to practice for a fundraising event for the program. That night was filled with fun and laughter. On the night of the fundraising event it was nice to see all the girls break out of their shell and did an amazing job with their performance. I really enjoyed listening to their hopes, dreams and aspirations. Each time I work with the girls from S&B, I am amazed by the multitude of talents and skills that they have.

Another moment that stood out for me from volunteering at S&B would be each time when we have our closing celebration to take a break from the program. We always do an activity where the girls get to write down positive words or statements about each other. The girls had some very nice things to say towards each other, and I was especially surprised that they had some nice words to say about me as well. My intention of coming to the program was to help the girls discover their true potentials while at the same time having fun. Throughout my two years volunteering at S&B, I have realized that I have learned a lot from the girls and they have encouraged me to break out of my shy shell. The girls are very observant and they are great to be around. I did not realize that the girls pay such great attention to my performance and that they really look up to me as a big sister. The girls make me smile every time I am around them, and I am always talking about my experience with them. The girls showed me how to just relax, be myself and smile often.

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Amos Kwan

What is your role at Revolution(s)?

I volunteer with the Earn-A-Bike program that we run at Revolutions. We learn how to maintain and repair bmx bikes at the program and at the end of it, we get to go ride the new bikes that we give them at an indoor bike park. I mostly just hang out with youth who come to the program and build relationships with them. I’m not particularly knowledgeable with bmx bikes, so I’m there to be a presence. I learn with the participants who come in and help where I can with their bike fixing.

How did you get involved?

I got involved through Jesse. We went to Tyndale together and about 2 years ago, we caught up and he told of what he was doing. I was very interested in what he was doing this in the area right where I live. We talked more about what Revolutions is doing and what were some opportunities for me. Then I jumped onboard and been helping out ever since.

How long you’ve been volunteering?

About a year and a couple months, can’t remember the specifics.

Why do you volunteer?

I love working with young people, love seeing them learn and grow. Being able to walk with them on their journey is an amazing privilege for me.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

I enjoy being able to interact, invest and watch young people grow; like discussing spiritual matters with them or just something about their future and what they want to do.

Describe a memorable experience that happened while volunteering at Revolution(s).

Riding a bmx for the first time at the bike park; I was terrible at it and the kids got to watch and laugh as I learned. Another experience would be being mistaken as a grade 10 (even when I was introduced as an adult volunteer haha), then developing a relationship with one of the guys and we chatted about many things (from smoking weed, school, dance to girls/relationships).

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