Rasha

In 2012, Rasha and her family moved to Canada from Egypt and not long after she began volunteering in the community. Rasha focuses her time spent here at the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House (MPNH) in the computer classes, Better at Home Program (provides assistance to independent seniors living at home), as well as at special events, such as the Multicultural Dinners. When she isn’t at MPNH, Rasha volunteers at the Immigrant Services Society, where she facilitates an Arabic group supporting newly arrived Syrian refugee women.

Rasha has developed a great relationship with her community; she loves being able to give back while also receiving a wealth of knowledge in return. It has also given her a sense of purpose and belonging, rather than feeling like a tourist, Canada is now her home. Through her work at MPNH, she feels valuable to the community, while also learning about numerous cultures and making new friends.

Rasha believes that volunteering is about more than just gaining work skills or improving her English, it is having the opportunity and ability to grow as a person. In addition, she does not consider it to be “working for free”; rather it is using your free time to gain skills, while giving back to the community so many people call home. She also finds that volunteering is favourable because it allows for flexibility regarding when one can donate time, as well as allows individuals to work in an area of interest.

In October 2015, Rasha was the main organizer of the very first Egyptian Multicultural Dinner hosted at MPNH. She was the first to arrive, and as a result, felt very uneasy. She began to panic, for other volunteers did not show up until at least an hour later. She was unsure if people would arrive, and if she would have to begin setting up alone. When volunteers finally began arriving, she found her nerves beginning to relax and become comfortable; she was able to take a breath of fresh air. There was much chatter and discussion between all participants regarding food, customs, and general conversation. It brought her great joy to be able to be working with such a friendly, welcoming community. In the end, the dinner was a great success, having around 100 people show up. It was a great accomplishment preparing so much delicious food with various volunteers. Although the experience started out stressful, it ended on a good note.

To become a volunteer visit: http://www.mpnh.org/