National Volunteer Week is April 24-30, 2022. Below, we've profiled a Coquitlam volunteer who is making a difference in the community.
CHALLEN PRIDE-THORNE
Place des Arts
1. What city do you reside in?
Coquitlam
2. What is your full-time job?
I am a retired graphic designer currently residing in Coquitlam.
3. What organizations do you currently volunteer with?
At present, I volunteer at Place des Arts (PdA) as a gallery set-up assistant and as a member of the ceramic department tech team. My graphic design background is an asset in determining the layout of the exhibitions. Flexibility is a characteristic that all of our ceramic volunteers embody. We balance our long-term projects with weekly studio cleaning, organizing and maintenance tasks.
4. What organizations have your volunteered with in the past?
When my kids were in elementary school, I volunteered with Lord Baden Powell’s Kindergarten and Grade 1 reading program. As I learned about other opportunities in the school, I joined the awesome group of parents and guardians who ran the twice annual Scholastic book fair. Through a family member’s interest in sailing, I became involved with Rocky Point Sailing Association. I helped rebuild their website and created signage for one of their regattas.
5. Why do you volunteer?
A benefit of being part of PdA’s exhibitions is that I get an advanced look at the artwork. Sometimes the artist is on site so I can enjoy listening to them discuss their themes and process. One of my favourite parts about supporting the ceramic department is sorting the glazed pottery. It is a joy to look at the variety of work our students produce.
6. What makes a good volunteer?
I’d encourage people who are considering volunteering to investigate joining an organization connected to their passion. Your enthusiasm will help motivate others on the team you are supporting. I plan to continue being an active member of the Place des Arts volunteer community. I am also considering joining one of the drop-in Park Spark volunteer activities in Coquitlam this year.
CAN YOU HELP?
Tri-City residents (ages 19 and up) are invited to the Volunteer Job Fair, hosted by the Community Volunteer Connections and the Coquitlam Public Library, on April 23. Organizers will be at the City Centre branch of the library (1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to “recruit” volunteers for upcoming events and activities. The fair coincides with National Volunteer Week. No registration is required.
MORE: volunteerconnections.ca
