Celebrating Susan: Recognized with the Ontario Volunteer Service Award

Please introduce yourself and share your volunteer role at North York Community House.

My name is Susan Kivlichan. I have been volunteering with North York Community House as a Conversation Circle Facilitator since the Fall of 2019.

What inspired you to begin volunteering with NYCH?

A neighbour of mine had volunteered with North York Community House, and she spoke about her experience with great enthusiasm, telling me how much she had enjoyed it, and how impressed she had been with the support that the participants gave each other during the conversation circles. I had just retired and thought that I would enjoy participating in what sounded like a very sociable and interesting activity. I have been learning a second language, Spanish, for many years, and understand the importance of conversational practice when one is learning a language.

What has been the most rewarding part of your volunteer experience with us?

The most rewarding part of volunteering as a Conversation Facilitator has been meeting so many people from different cultures, with whom I have been able to develop friendly relationships. One of the conversation circle participants has become my conversation exchange partner, with whom I practice Spanish, in return for helping her with her English, on a weekly basis.

What does receiving the Ontario Volunteer Service Award mean to you?

I am honoured to have been recognized for my work with North York Community House over the past five or six years. It is wonderful to feel appreciated for my contribution to a meaningful and pleasurable activity that benefits newcomers to Canada.