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Blog Post

Volunteering: To Give is to Receive! 

May 26, 2025 Uncategorized Marcella Jager

On April 29, 2025, Centre for Skills proudly celebrated the dedication of 39 remarkable individuals at our Volunteer Recognition Celebration during National Volunteer Week. It was made very clear by volunteers who spoke at the event that the benefits of volunteering extend beyond just enhancing programs to enhancing the volunteer’s own skills and lives! Giving is also receiving.  

Why Volunteers Matter 

From leading Conversation Circles and supporting and facilitating digital literacy and being a Peer Support in a LINC classroom, we’d like to give a shout-out to all 38 of our volunteers who play a critical role in helping participants succeed. Their time, energy, and expertise make our services more personal, effective, and welcoming and we are so grateful for their impact. 

2025 Halton Volunteer Impact Award Nominees 

We were thrilled to recognize four outstanding volunteers for their exceptional contributions: 

  • Allison Ashworth – Conversation Circle Volunteer. Praised for her dedication and communication skills that create positive learning spaces for newcomers. 
  • Kamran Saleem – Computer Literacy Facilitator. Supported over 70 newcomers in building digital skills, boosting participant confidence by 80%. 
  • Olena Priadkina – Computer Literacy Co-Facilitator. Demonstrated professionalism and commitment in helping clients overcome digital barriers. 
  • Andrea Henao Murillo – Seniors Conversation Circle Facilitator. Helped seniors build confidence, language skills, and community connections since 2021. 

We celebrated all our volunteers who bring warmth, patience, and encourage participant success. Thank you:

Aasima Iqbal Ahmad  

Allison Ashworth  

Allyson Steedman  

Amanda Amrita Dindayal  

Andrea Henao  

Carmine Ciriello  

Dante Shen  

Elis Gayret   

Faiza Salhi  

Farahnaz Sadri  

Ghazala Khan  

Huijie Lin 

Kamran Saleem Butt  

Karen Clarke Samson 

Lara Musa Al-Omari  

Laurie Kondo  

Lindsay Imanie Joseph  

Linh Hoang  

M Kenan Hamada  

Maha Al Abadilah  

Maria Brzeska  

Mira Sadek  

Mrunali Wandhekar  

Nazanin Amiry  

Nazar Kobryn  

Nisar Ahmad Sultanzoi  

Olena Priadkina  

Pushpa Niddapu 

Randa Dib  

Ronghua Peng  

Rosa Lee  

Sophia Spadafora  

Terry Chuan Jun Lyu  

Tong Pei  

Yan Ma  

Yang Zhou  

Yanhua Li  

Zhongui Li 

Interested in volunteering with us? 

  • Conversation Circle Facilitator 
  • Computer Literacy Facilitator 
  • Peer Support Volunteer 

Learn more at www.centreforskills.ca/volunteer. Next volunteer recruitment for the new term (September) will start at the end of July, beginning of August for all the above roles.