Community
Volunteer Central’s Volunteer of the Month – Siham Ahmed
Written by Ryan Charles Parker
The world needs rich people. Not rich in material wealth, but people who are rich in character and compassion. Those who have faced down challenges and overcome difficulties and use them constructively. People that can help. People that can help others learn how to help themselves. People like Siham Ahmed.
A refugee from Somalia, Siham knows what it is like to find hope in a new land. As a matter of fact, she was a client of the Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E.) before she volunteered for the organization. As she told me, “yes, I use C.A.R.E.’s services. I attend ESL courses. I accessed interpreter myself when I first came to Canada.”
Now she is paying it forward. Volunteer Program Coordinator at C.A.R.E., Elzbieta Sawicka said about Siham, “Siham is a dedicated volunteer with C.A.R.E.”
Especially adept at learning and teaching languages, her knowledge of the English language allows her to help in many areas of the Central Alberta Refugee Effort. She explained to me, “as a general volunteer, I help at the reception, answering the phone and referring clients to staff. As (an) interpreter, I help clients with limited or no English to communicate with others during their appointments.”
Sawicka echoed the value that Siham brings to the organization: “As she speaks several languages, she is a very vital part of our translation/interpretation support services.”
And, as previously mentioned, she is greatly appreciated at C.A.R.E.. As Sawicka says, “Siham is friendly and curious to learn new things. She is very motivated to learn new skills that will help her integrate into Canadian society and find her future career. It’s a pleasure to have her around.”
What does Siham get out of volunteering at C.A.R.E.? “I volunteer because I can meet people, make friends from different cultures. It helps me also improve my language.”
It is this dual effort of learning and teaching that makes her such a special volunteer. And it is the reason why she is being awarded the Volunteer of the Month.
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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