Canada’s National Volunteer Week 2022: Empathy in Action

Canada’s National Volunteer Week theme of Empathy in Action gave us cause to reflect on the personal and societal benefits of volunteering. Volunteering not only is an act of giving to others, and a way to contribute to our community, but it is a way for us to build connections and truly understand other individuals and issues. Through volunteering we have the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, expanding our views. It can build our capacity to work collectively and contribute to an inclusive society.

Volunteering gives each one of us the opportunity to live out the PC mission and vision:

Our mission is to instil in each individual the ability and responsibility to make the world greater, better and more beautiful than they discovered it.

Our vision is to develop innovative, courageous and compassionate global citizens who take action, true to Quaker values.

At Pickering College there are many ways students volunteer and learn about the world around them through community involvement. We are grateful for the students, staff, faculty, parents, past parents and alumni who all contribute their time to Pickering College, and to our own communities.

Volunteering for various Pickering College events and PCA committees is our way of giving back to the community that has given so much to our family.

- Patti and Kevin Wietzes, PC parents and volunteers

My mom introduced me to volunteering at a young age and although I have continued to volunteer since then, my motivation and rationale for doing so has not always been the same. At different times, volunteering has related to my studies, professional development, personal growth and understanding about our world, or to a certain perspective. From an empathy in action viewpoint, ‘righting a wrong’ has been a strong personal motivator. Aiding those in need to escape danger, achieve a level of self-empowerment, and to make life-altering changes has given me the greatest satisfaction. For me, volunteering is part of life; it’s our individual and shared responsibility to contribute to positive change within our own community and beyond.

- Susan Cooper, PC grandparent and volunteer

I always look forward to volunteering. Volunteering allows me to make a meaningful impact on my community and in the lives of others, whether it is simply volunteering for the Holiday Home Tour, or creating music playlists to improve the quality of life of a patient living with dementia. Actually, the gift I receive is a gift greater than the gift I extend. I learn so much from each situation and the individuals I meet and work with. It is incredibly rewarding to have helped others or contributed to the successful outcome of an event. This has made me confident, outgoing and happy.

- Michaela '22

I want to change the world. Volunteering helps me take one step towards this goal. When I can provide for somebody else, even if I can’t change the world, my actions have a way of changing their world.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Throughout the year there are many opportunities for students of different grades to be able to interact with each other, demonstrate leadership skills, and volunteer. reading buddies is always a favourite part of the week.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Middle School, students participate in Community Pillar Days, where they give back to others through service projects as community organizations. This spring, one group of students spent the day at the Aurora Food Pantry sorting donations. They learned about why people struggle to buy food and what food items are of highest need.

SENIOR SCHOOL

While some in-person volunteer experiences were limited during COVID-19, our Senior School Committee was creative in adapting events and activities to help engage our community and keep students connected. Thank you to all the students who helped with Spirit Days, Winter Solstice, and Winterfest to name just a few.