Volunteerism

I’ve felt firsthand the negative effects of the pandemic.

I am 49, from Oshawa, Ontario and work as a sales representative at PepsiCo Foods Canada. Although much of my role focuses on managing the business, I spend a lot of my time in stores working with the public.

Many people choose to volunteer to give back to a cause or organization that has a personal meaning for them and this is especially true for me.

My journey with Ontario Shores began eight years ago when my son was admitted after struggling with mental health problems.

Shane took his own life just one year later.

I began volunteering at Ontario Shores three years ago without any clear goals of where I wanted to end up or what area I would fit best in. Eventually, I began volunteering in Recovery College which focuses on providing education about mental illness, treatment, passion, hope and meaning.

I joined the volunteer team at Ontario Shores without realizing how impactful the experience would be on my personal life.

I began volunteering at Ontario Shores nine years after overcoming a very difficult period in my life: my father’s suicide. I decided that following his tragedy, this would be a great way to give back to others struggling with mental illness.