Volunteering: To Give is to Receive!

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.