Team Radiance wants to shine a light on the incredible volunteers who have made a lasting impact on our organization and those we serve. Their time, energy and efforts have touched every corner of the work we do. We want to send a huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers, you have helped create safe and comforting homes, lifted spirits and brightened futures. We are looking forward to celebrating our volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Event on May. If you would like to join the celebration, email us at volunteer@radiancesociety.ca
Check out some of our amazing volunteer stories!
Judith Chubachi and the M&Ms
My name is Judith Chubachi and I have been volunteering at Radiance for over 6 years after I first came to hear about this organization. I was looking for a ministry to run through my church and have a group of women come alongside me, helping me execute my ideas.
The first thing we did was to sponsor a suite at Radiance Centre through the Home-Suite Home Program, and this has been a highlight to be able to create a space that would bring comfort and joy to a family. To give them a place to call home.
Over the years I have taught craft classes for women and children. My group, The M+M’s (standing for Mary and Martha) have prepared gift bags with food items and treats for different occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas (hand knit scarves and treats). We provide cookie decorating kits always bearing in mind the happiness of the children. Each gift is accompanied by a hand made card.
I feel as though holidays are when people can feel the lowest, so we pray that these gifts bring joy and blessings and show they are indeed loved. We in turn are equally blessed!
Doug Simpson
My name is Doug Simpson and I have volunteered with Radiance for three years. Volunteering at Radiance has been rewarding and fulfilling. I am hopeful that my small contribution helps Radiance meet its goal of improving the lives of those in need.
Volunteering at Radiance has impacted my life in a couple ways. First, it has enabled me to be an active part of our great community. Great communities don’t just happen. They require people to participate and fill the gaps where needed. Second, I hope that by volunteering with Radiance I can impact in some way, the lives of those Radiance serves. Radiance has introduced me to people with challenges I have never faced and makes me reflect on the life I have. I have the time and resources to commit and that should not be wasted, especially if someone needs my help. I find helping others provides me a sense of accomplishment.
Finally, volunteering sets an example for those around me so that they too will perhaps find ways to help improve the society they live in. Volunteering fosters a great family culture.
Evelyn Russell
My name is Evelyn and I have been volunteering with Radiance for several years. I have participated in multiple volunteer programs at Radiance, such as working with children and delivering meals. I enjoy meeting the variety of people that I come into contact with throughout my volunteering activities- including those that volunteer alongside me as well as the staff and clients at Radiance. The stories that are shared while volunteering are interesting and inspiring.
While volunteering at Radiance I have learned a lot from other people and have built a community.
Susan and the Woodcliff United Church Outreach Committee
My name is Susan and I have been a volunteer at Radiance Family Society as a member of Woodcliff United Church’s Outreach Committee since 2008. I have a long history with Radiance Family Society completing a BSW field placement at the previously named Sonshine Centre in 1982. After completing a MSW in 1991, I worked in the area of domestic violence and continued to have a working relationship with Sonshine Centre. From 2008-2021, I did contract work for Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters which included opportunities to continue my involvement with “Sonshine Centre”. I have seen firsthand the importance of the second stage shelter as well as the trauma informed childcare program. Being a volunteer for these past almost 17 years has provided me with an opportunity to contribute in a small way to the important work of supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence.
The members of the outreach committee decided in 2008 to sponsor a suite at Radiance Centre through the Home-Suite-Home Program. Since that time, outreach members and other individuals attending Woodcliff have been responsible for staging a suite in the building prior to a new family moving it. During this time, our committee has also raised and donated funds to support the family in our suite and were also able to secure two subsidized spots at a summer camp and assist with funding for taxis to assist with transportation.
The outreach committee has also supported Radiance with three clothing drives for Radiance- one was a winter clothing drive held at Woodcliff and donors were able to drive into the parking area and drop off their donations. The last spring/summer clothing drive resulted in clothing for thirty-eight families.
Every Christmas, the outreach committee encourages the Woodcliff Community of Faith to donate funds to purchase gift cards. These gift cards are given to Radiance in March and provide additional financial support to the families living at Radiance Centre.
At Thanksgiving, the outreach committee encourages the faith community to donate food through a food drive and this past Thanksgiving, we were asked for staples to be able to stock the new Community Cupboard. A group from Springbank High School collected food which resulted in a van full of food.
Join the Volunteer Community at Radiance!
We are currently looking for volunteers to fill the following positions:
- Suite Stager
- Food Delivery
- Special Event Volunteers
- Casino Volunteers
If you are interested in supporting Radiance through our volunteer community, please email our Community Engagement Coordinator:
volunteer@radiancesociety.ca