I started volunteering with the Language Instruction for Newcomers Program (LINC) at North York Community House in January 2020. I was new to Canada, and this was my first exposure outside my home in at a non-profit organization.
Though I was new, in mere few days at NYCH I felt I was at home. I loved volunteering at the LINC classes. Everything was going good and suddenly in March 2020 due to Covid-19 all the classes had to be stopped.
It is hard wired in all of us, as social beings to connect with each other. I was longing to keep myself busy and connect to the outer world in these uncertain times.
At the end of March, I was asked by NYCH whether I will be ok to do online volunteering in the LINC class. I was ready to start the online volunteering, even though it was something new and I had never done it earlier. I wanted to do it because I wanted to connect with my mentor and students again. I knew that these were hard times for everyone, and connecting online would help us sail through these hard times together.
I am glad that NYCH staff helped me to learn about zoom. They taught me how to conduct zoom meetings. Me and students became pros at using zoom after 2-3 classes. We all love our zoom classes. I don’t like to miss any of my English conversation circle. I really look forward to meet my mentor and students online.
My mentor Ms. Marilyn made sure that I feel comfortable during the online classes. She kept a check on me and my family during these hard times. I am very grateful to her.
It has been 10 months now that I am doing online volunteering. I am grateful to NYCH for making this possible.
“Covid-19 made me realize that the most important thing in life is the human connection. Volunteering helped me to make new connections in this new normal. ”
I could make new friends and expand my network during Covid-19 due to my volunteering at NYCH. Volunteering at NYCH helped me to stay healthy and happy during these uncertain times. Volunteering helped me to boost my social skills during Covid-19. I am glad I am able to use my time and skills in these difficult times to help others.
“Volunteering taught me that helping others kindles happiness.”