Congratulations to Sima for being selected as our Volunteer of the Month! The impact Sima has made and the way Sima has touched the hearts of our community in such a short time is truly phenomenal. We first met Sima when she volunteered last fall at our Taste of North York Community and Food Festival. We quickly learned that Sima is a super friendly and kind volunteer and neighbour. Sima is always focused on the big picture and will adapt her support to the needs of the events and food hub distributions she takes part in. From providing first aid to a senior at Taste of North York to engaging neighbours at the Christmas Market, to distributing food at the food hubs, Sima connects with everyone with a bright smile and her mission to serve.
Sima reflected on her volunteer experience so far and said,
"For 23 years back in my country, I served as the head physician of the mobile health units that provided free primary health services for a not-for-profit foundation in underserved areas of Istanbul. Helping those in need, not only materially, but also spiritually, by being there for them, caring and sharing with compassion is a remedy for one's soul. At the end of the day, when you put your head on the pillow to sleep, you are content and at peace with yourself.
So, as a newcomer to Toronto, I did not hesitate even for a second to be a volunteer for the "Taste of North York" festival when it was announced through the instagram account of NeighbourLink North York, whose social media accounts I had been following for a long time. In my opinion, institutions like yours which go way beyond the expectations in bringing meaning and joy to other's life should always be appreciated,valued and supported.
The variety of community involvement programs for youth, seniors, newcomers and Food Hub from firsthand experience were all amazing, as everyone did their best to achieve the most with the available sources, acting straight from the heart with genuine kindness! And the approach of the staff to volunteers as well as the friendship between the volunteers made me feel more than welcome, it was a homely feeling I was longing for!
As a newcomer who has left her comfort zone behind, it felt so good to be a part of this community which united around the aim of helping others in each and every way, at times when I was anxious or depressed about the uncertainties I was facing, I realized that even 2-3 hours of volunteering took away all my worries and brought me back to my confident, optimistic and outgoing personality.
In short, I can summarize my whole story like this: The reason why I chose my profession was my intention of healing people and I know that it does not happen only physically, but also emotionally and mentally. By helping others, I also help myself to heal, to grow and to reach the peaceful state of mind that is normally so hard to reach within today's challenging conditions. I wholeheartedly thank each member of NeighbourLink North York for welcoming me with a big hug and making my adjustments to my new life in Canada so much easier, for me the impact is beyond words!
We are delighted to be offering a free pizza coupon to Sima as a small token of appreciation for her support to our team and to our community. Thank you so much to Blaze Pizza at the Yonge Sheppard Centre for sponsoring this token of appreciation!
If you're interested in volunteering with NeighbourLink North York, please visit www.neighbourlink.org/volunteer to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and to apply as a volunteer.
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