Volunteer Voices

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Pam Papadopoulos

Susanne Dicocco
It's a busy year for Pam Papadopoulos — both professionally and personally. Despite her hectic schedule, Pam wanted to do more in her community. She turned to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation for help.

In 2008, Pam participated in a team volunteering activity at SKETCH, a Toronto-based organization that creates opportunities for street-involved and homeless youth to engage in the arts in a cross-discipline studio or the community. While team volunteering, Pam was inspired by SKETCH's impact on the community.

A few weeks later, she enrolled in a Foundation 'Lunch and Learn,' a PwC noon-hour series dedicated to informing staff on community opportunities, and one of the guest speakers was SKETCH's executive director. Further intrigued by the arts-based organization, Pam approached the executive director to discuss volunteer opportunities. Their conversation parlayed into a great opportunity: a position on SKETCH's board of directors. Pam has sat on the board since April 2008.

When asked why she decided to join, Pam responded, "Who doesn't want to take part in fostering artistic greatness?" It's clear she believes in SKETCH's mandate and encourages people to work with organizations that inspire them.

Susanne DiCocco

Susanne Dicocco
There are many different reasons people decide to volunteer. For Susanne DiCocco, a manager in PwC’s Ottawa Advisory Services practice, her reason is friendship.

In 2005, Susanne’s close friend James Caddell passed away. To honour his memory, the James Caddell Memorial Scholarship Fund for Orphans was established, and this is where Susanne focuses her volunteer efforts. She explains, “I got involved because I wanted to do something to keep James’ memory alive and to see his dream come true. I feel like I am doing something that he would have been proud of.”

Susanne has taken on fundraising for the Scholarship Fund. She organized the first annual James Caddell Memorial Run, which raised an outstanding $19,600. “The thing I like most about volunteering is the sense of purpose it gives me. It makes me appreciate that I live in a country where I can get an education, have a good job, and live a good life. In other words, working with this charity gives me perspective.”

Dawn Climenhaga

Dawn Climenhaga
You probably haven’t heard of the town of Kindersley, Saskatchewan, or the Kindersley District Music Festival Association. But Dawn Climenhaga, a senior associate in Saskatoon’s Audit and Assurance Group, is making her volunteer voice heard there.

Since 1998, Dawn has managed the Festival Association’s banking activities, record-keeping, budget processes, scholarships, and donations received. She is thrilled to be able to use her professional skills in a volunteer capacity as their treasurer, and to give back to her hometown community.

“Community giving is a win-win situation for everyone,” says Dawn. “It’s just fun to get out there and volunteer, lend a hand, and share your skills. It’s a great way to work with people you might never have met otherwise. The Festival Association gives kids a musical outlet, which I believe is good for the soul.”