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
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.”
Aaron Kline
Aaron Kline, a member of PwC’s Corporate Tax Services group, is committed to sharing his skills with the workforce of the next generation. He is one of a number of PwC people who volunteers their time with Junior Achievement (JA) — a charity that places business professionals in the classroom to share their real-world knowledge and experience with young people.
Aaron’s volunteer involvement with JA extends beyond the classroom. He has helped organize PwC’s Greater Toronto Area “JA Days”, where staff and partners volunteer for one of the elementary school programs. Aaron has also participated in a number of JA fundraising events representing PwC.
“The success that JA is able to have with these kids is what keeps me excited about volunteerism, and I believe that in some small way that I am helping kids create a new vision for their future. I also feel fortunate to work for a company where so many people are so passionate about giving back to their communities.”
