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This week we welcome a guest blog from REALTORS Care® at the Canadian Real Estate Association. 

Tristan Kong, a REALTOR® with the Tristan Kong Group at Keller Williams Real Estate Associates Brokerage – Glen Williams, is reducing barriers and championing the Deaf community in the Greater Toronto Area through his volunteerism, sponsorship, and social outreach.

Since he committed to lifting others up at a young age, Tristan has continued to inspire and motivate those who cross his path. Whether through his business, at local charities, or supporting youth through mentorship, this Canadian REALTORS Care® Award 2024 nominee is empowering the Deaf community, and its allies, across Canada.

As a shy youngster, Tristan learned how to come out of his shell and find his voice at the Sign Language Summer Program (SLSP) run by Silent Voice Canada. The annual day camp operates entirely in American Sign Language (ASL) and provides a fun and supportive environment for youth who are Deaf, hard of hearing, children of Deaf adults (CODA), and their siblings. For Kong, the camp was a life-changing experience that highlighted the impact positive Deaf role models and mentorship can have on youth. It was the beginning of a lifelong journey to provide that same opportunity for others. 

“Giving back to the Deaf community is deeply meaningful to me as my success and who I am today wouldn’t have been possible without the support I received from the Deaf community, and I am so grateful for that,” shared Tristan. “I believe it’s now my turn to pay it forward, offering support and opportunities to the next generation.”

Building on his transformative experience at SLSP, Tristan has continued to support Silent Voice Canada in various capacities. In addition to their summer program, Silent Voice Canada supports Deaf and hard of hearing children and adults, and their family members, with services that include immigration integration support, after-school programs, language education for individuals and professionals, and provisions of food and necessities for a population that faces chronic underemployment and societal barriers. 

Today, Tristan supports their efforts through directed donations, social media and marketing support, presentations, and as a public advocate for the organization. He was also a key sponsor and supporter of Silent Voice hosting the Canada Deaf Games in 2024, bringing Deaf athletes from across the country to Toronto to compete and vie for spots in the Pan American Games for the Deaf and the Deaflympics. His brokerage also sponsored the games.

“Canada Deaf Games is important because it allows Deaf athletes to be recognized and compete in an accessible way that they don't have the opportunity to if they were competing strictly with athletes who aren't Deaf,” shared Tristan.

Tristan’s commitment to the Deaf community extends beyond Silent Voice Canada. East of Toronto, at Durham Deaf Services (DDS), he is equally dedicated to the senior population and the small but impactful agency that is at the heart of the Durham Deaf community. Tristan began volunteering for the organization by providing workshops to seniors in ASL on a host of real estate topics. For many, this was the first time they had heard real estate information in their first language, providing a more secure and sound understanding of how they could utilize their properties to best support themselves and their families in the future. The success and impact of the program led Kong to accept a position on the Board of Directors and later the role of President, supporting the organization’s move to a new and safer location and helping build its strategic growth plan.

“Tristan is a key player on the Durham Deaf Services board,” shared fellow board member Connie Russell. “Nowadays it’s challenging to get younger people involved in their communities, Tristan stands as a role model and shows the importance of volunteerism and giving back to your community. Hopefully, future generations will see that and follow his example.”

The onset of the pandemic brought new challenges, particularly for Deaf seniors who relied on in-person communication and had little experience with technology. DDS was forced to close its physical programming, leaving many seniors isolated with little to no ability to communicate with grocery stores and pharmacies for necessities. To help keep them safe and informed, Kong began translating COVID-19 protocols and health guidelines into ASL. At the same time, thanks to the support of donors and board members like Tristan, DDS staff began delivering adaptive technology to seniors’ homes, helping them learn to use it, and connecting them back to the wider community.

In addition to his direct work with local charities, Tristan focuses on supporting the Deaf Ecosystem, a term that describes investment in Deaf-owned and operated businesses, professionals, and schools. Having experienced firsthand the barriers that Deaf job seekers face in finding traditional employment opportunities within the hearing community, Tristan works with other Deaf business owners to mentor them through the experience of building a client base. He uses his social media platform as a REALTOR® to promote their work and grow their business. He also hires and contracts within the Ecosystem, building a better business community and helping with poverty reduction in the process.

“It was really touching for Tristan to post about my business,” shared Dallas Boyd-Zagozdzon, owner of Zago Creations “It's been a difficult journey for me, and one that was filled with a lot of doubts. Seeing that Tristan was willing to share the word about my business and help me achieve success as a business owner really meant a lot to me.”

If there’s a REALTOR® in your community whose commitment to their community reminds you of Tristan, nominate them at REALTORSCare.ca/nominate by December 1, 2025 at midnight Eastern so they can be in the running for the Canadian REALTORS Care® Award 2025 Proudly Presented by REALTOR.ca! In honour of 10 years of celebrating REALTOR® impact, CREA has doubled the donation that the recipient’s charity of choice receives to $10,000 and the winner and their charity will be announced in April  2025 at their AGM.

REALTORS Care® Spotlight shares stories of how featured nominees the Canadian Real Estate Association’s Canadian REALTORS Care® Award are working to make their communities a better place for all.

This week's guest blog is brought to you by Ghazi Abid. He believes education and art can change the world, which is why he is a practitioner of both. With experience in teaching, curriculum design and career development, Ghazi loves working with students from all age groups. As a newcomer to Canada, he is enjoying the pursuit of my varied hobbies: reading, biking, playing soccer and volunteering. To connect with Ghazi you can look for him on LinkedIn or Substack. 

She was hunched over me closely inspecting my every move and even though I sensed some doubt emanating from her demeanor, the air of hope was much stronger. I continued diligently, my latex gloves now torn from the friction generated by the wrench I held. I wrestled with the frequent thoughts of failure and subsequent shame which put my sweat glands into overdrive in the industrious yet warm confines of Bike Root. “Oh wow, you did it, he did it!”, she exclaimed and gently patted my back as I straightened and pointed towards the stand I had just installed on the frame of her bike. She was motioning for Tom, the actual mechanic, to come and see the job I had done which she had felt was impossible to do herself. As I marveled at the work I had done, having no experience as a mechanic, I felt as if I was standing on a podium in front of a crowd of loving supporters. She immediately tested the newly installed stand, her eyes gleaming with joy. I could tell it meant so much to her because she had earlier mentioned how difficult it had been to keep her bike upright as she struggled with a loss of dexterity that comes with old age. I have ever since forgotten her name, but never will I forget that one cold winter evening, in a small workshop in a tiny corner of the world a fledgling immigrant from Pakistan brought joy to a stranger just by volunteering a moment of his time.  

This week we are excited to feature guest blog writer; Lori Gotlieb. She is the founder of Lori Gotlieb Consulting as well as Co-developer and faculty for Humber College Volunteer Management Leadership Certificate. Lori is a well-respected author and subject matter expert and continues to challenge the boundaries of volunteerism to creatively engage communities with non-profit organizations and associations.To connect with Lori check out her website.

The following are some helpful tips for off boarding volunteers.

Develop a clear offboarding policy: Establish a standardized process for offboarding volunteers, which includes steps such as notification, exit interviews and post-departure follow-up. 

Communication: Notify the volunteer about their offboarding in a timely manner and provide the reason for their departure if applicable. 

Exit interviews: Conduct an exit interview with the volunteer to gather feedback on their experience, identify areas for improvement and learn about their reasons for leaving. 

Show gratitude:  Take the time to acknowledge the volunteer’s contributions. Whether you’re celebrating them at your annual meeting, hosting a farewell event or simply sending a personalized thank-you note. 

Knowledge transfer: Ensure that the volunteer’s knowledge, skills, and experiences are documented and passed on. This is also a great opportunity to establish a mentorship opportunity for your incoming volunteers. 

Reassignment opportunities: Of course, just because they’re no longer in a specific role, that doesn’t mean they’re out of the organization. Offering alternative volunteer opportunities can help re-engage your departing volunteers and avoid those hard feelings.   

Things to consider:

Is there an opportunity to engage the volunteer in mentorship or coaching new volunteers?

Is there an opportunity to engage the volunteer in special projects. 

Are there opportunities to acknowledge the volunteer in a public forum (award nomination, impact stories for publications)

Have you provided and/or reviewed the following:

Opportunity to provide feedback through exit survey or interview.

Letter of appreciation and/or certificate of appreciation 

Final review and knowledge transfer

Informed appropriate volunteers/staff of exit. 

We are so pleased to welcome Ali Alzahrani as our guest writer this week. You can read more of his work on his page. 

Volunteering is the power that may bring the social change we all crave. 

In an era characterized by growing individualism and digital isolation, I prefer to give my time and energy free of charge. This is a courageous human gesture and a great way to connect. I am not doing this only for leisure or to pass my idle time; instead, it is my strong protest against the wave of selfishness that puts our unity in jeopardy. As Winston Churchill wisely noted, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". This idea is a good example of the reason why volunteering happens to be the main blueprint of my life. 

The process or the desire to volunteer was a result of witnessing the growing consumer culture in our society. I have seen that we can often be disconnected from others, both in childhood and adulthood, since we feel separated in our daily digital interfaces. This not only impacts the tangible community needs but also builds tines of isolation and sorrow. One of the remedies against this is the volunteerism idea, as it provides us the possibility of reconnecting not only with our shared human nature but also with the local communities we live in. This was a great opportunity, a huge spark for me that I could not resist, so simply I’m jumping in. Joyce Bertram (2015) said in her TEDxVilnius "If you come across something that sparks something in you, that sparks a passion that fills you with excitement, that you feel should happen, don't wait for others to take the initiative. Step up and do it." 

I agree completely with Joyce Bertram (2015) when she correctly claimed that volunteering is a good place to call home for skill and character development. She said "Every single individual, regardless of their backgrounds, has valuable information that is worth sharing." This democratic view of knowledge and skills is what makes volunteering unique. From my volunteer work, I have discovered a number of talents I never thought I was capable of having and have also been taught valuable lessons by others in ways that I could never have experienced in my professional or personal life. 

The concept of volunteerism really is a prominent part of the idea of altruism, but at the same time, it is not just selflessness. The concept of volunteering is about the reciprocal relation of giving and getting that nurtures both the volunteer and the community. According to research by social scientists, volunteers usually report better mental health, increased life satisfaction, and stronger social relationships (Wilson, 2000). The mutual benefit of volunteering lies in its promotion of a more compassionate and interconnected society. 

Moreover, volunteering is one of the mighty methods that can bring about social change. I mean real change. People will join organizations because they want to do something a little bit better than themselves. This willingness to be a part of a project that is bigger than oneself is the chief engine of a huge number of volunteer activities. Instead of being content with surviving the world's massive waves, by volunteering, I attach myself to the efforts of remarkable human beings who are not mere spectators but really are active participants in the movement to solve these issues once and for all from the grassroots level on up. 

The influence of voluntary work goes far beyond the immediate gains individuals and organizations experience from it. Volunteering plays a significant role in developing social capital and building the social fabric. In the United States alone, the economic evaluation of volunteer time is around $33.48 per hour (Independent Sector, 2021), which translates to billions of dollars in support for causes and organizations that would have otherwise gone unfulfilled. However, the true essence of volunteering cannot be determined monetarily; it is found in the skills that it instills in people, like compassion, the ability to understand, and excellent social connection. 

But when I Look towards the future, I see the landscape of volunteering most likely to evolve with technological advancements. There are going to be a Virtual or remote volunteering opportunities for those interested to be part of the volunteering community from the ease of their home or offices. These ways may become more known and used in the future, but the fundamental human need to connect with no doubt will remain fixed, because this this what it means to be a human.  

When I choose to volunteer, I made a conscious decision to be part of the treatment (hopefully) to the challenges facing the whole world, I mean not me as a person, but me as an individual, as one part of our world population. It is a rejection of the notion that individual success and comfort are the ultimate goals of life. Instead, it is an embrace of the idea that real fulfillment comes from being one part of the well-being of others and building towards a more just and equitable society. 

Volunteering stands as the hope, when we face global challenges that require a collective action. Volunteering is a testament to the potential power of our human compassion and solidarity. It works as a reminder that we are all connected and that each action from each one of us can have far-reaching results, and long-lasting outputs. The anthropologist Margaret Mead, once said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. (r)" - Margaret Mead. Used with permission. (Institute for Intercultural Studies, 2009). 

In conclusion, I chose to volunteer because it offers a great opportunity to create a difference, meaningful one. This difference is not going to impact the world or only the community, instead it is going to simultaneously enrich my own life and the lives of those around me. It is our powerful tool we peacefully may use to combat the ugly individualism in the society and instill the values of connected humanity, empathetic society, and a very socially responsible community.  

References 

Bertram, J. (2015). How volunteerism can change your world. TEDx Talks. [Link] 

Independent Sector. (2021). Value of Volunteer Time. [Link] 

Institute for Intercultural Studies. (2009). Margaret Mead quotes. [Link] 

Wilson, J. (2000). Volunteering. Annual Review of Sociology, 26(1), 215-240. [Link] 

This week we welcome guest blog writer Ashley. Ashley lived and worked in Calgary for more than 25 years, but now resides in B.C. She volunteered with the 39th Rangers in Calgary for three years. Ashley loves all things outdoors and adventure, is meticulously organized with a safety mindset, so Girl Guides was a natural fit. She loves to travel, write anything and everything and truly believe in the power of volunteering and education to better the world. Ashley currently work as a substitute teacher, tutor and freelance communications specialist in Vernon. She firmly believes her dog, while a menace, is also the cutest dog ever.

When I first began volunteering with Girl Guides, it was a way to fill my free time and give back to the community. Little did I know, it was the beginning of a transformative journey. 

I had just left my corporate office job and was searching for a career path with more meaning when a friend had suggested joining her in leading a Ranger unit (girls aged 15-17) in need of Guiders. I had no idea how much saying yes would change the trajectory of my life. Through volunteering with Girl Guides, I rediscovered my passion for mentoring and teaching, which led me to pursue a career in education. 

I was a little intimidated to be joining an organization I had not been a part of growing up - I worried that I didn’t know as much as the girls I’d be leading, as most of them had been in Guides since they were young. I couldn’t have been more wrong! They were so welcoming and I was amazed by the enthusiasm, openness and supportiveness they brought to every meeting. Guiding them through their planning, helping them develop new skills and watching their confidence grow reignited a spark in me. It was in these moments that I realized how much I had to offer and how deeply I enjoyed inspiring young minds and witnessing the girls become empowered. 

Encouraged by my experience with the Rangers, I took the leap and went back to school (well into my late 30s) to earn my Bachelor of Education. It was a busy and rewarding two years of intense learning, and I remained a volunteer guide leader throughout. My ongoing involvement with the Rangers was so beneficial to my classroom learning - they taught me so much about inclusiveness, equity and capability, and patiently bore with me as I tried new teaching tools and techniques with them. 

After graduating, I began working full-time as a substitute teacher and had to take a step back from guiding as I navigated a new and challenging career. Looking back, I am so grateful to the friend that extended her hand and the people that guided me along this path. Volunteering with the Girl Guides was the catalyst that ignited a passion for teaching. Each day brings new challenges and rewards. When it gets tough, I take a deep breath and remember what volunteering with the Rangers taught me - be positive, supportive and inclusive and your students can surprise and amaze you.

This week we are pleased to welcome Guest Blog Writer Dakshita Saraswat. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA), a dedicated organization that supports immigrant women and their families. My role involved working at their summer camp for children, an experience that resonated deeply with me and brought back memories of my own immigration journey. 

From a young age, my family moved frequently due to my father's work. Each move meant starting over in a new country, with new schools, new friends, and a new culture to navigate. These frequent relocations were challenging, and I often felt a profound sense of loneliness. I vividly recall many days when I would retreat to the bathroom at school to cry, overwhelmed by the difficulty of adjusting to a new environment and the struggle to communicate in a different language. 

As I volunteered at the summer camp, I encountered children who had recently arrived from Ukraine. Their experiences mirrored my own in many ways. These young immigrants faced numerous barriers, the most significant being the language barrier. Many of them could not speak English fluently, which made it difficult for them to interact with their peers and fully participate in camp activities. Watching them struggle with this reminded me of my own feelings of isolation and frustration. 

When I first tried to engage with the children, they were understandably shy and nervous. It was clear that they were still adapting to their new surroundings and the challenges that came with it. However, as I spent more time with them, I began to see their resilience and adaptability. Despite their initial hesitation, they gradually opened up and started to share their thoughts and feelings. 

One of the most enlightening moments came when I asked the children how they were adjusting to life in Canada. To my surprise, their responses were overwhelmingly positive. They spoke about how welcoming Canada had been to them and their families. Many of them mentioned that they liked Canada even more than their home country, a sentiment I found both surprising and heartwarming. They appreciated the safety, the kindness of the people, and the opportunities they had here. 

This experience was incredibly eye-opening for me. It highlighted the importance of creating supportive and inclusive environments for immigrant children. These children, despite facing significant challenges, demonstrated remarkable strength and optimism. Their positive outlook on life in Canada showed me that with the right support, immigrant children can thrive and find happiness in their new homes. 

Volunteering at the CIWA summer camp also reinforced the value of empathy and understanding. As someone who has gone through the immigrant experience, I was able to connect with these children on a deeper level. I understood their fears, their frustrations, and their hopes. This connection allowed me to provide the support and encouragement they needed. 

Moreover, this experience reminded me of the importance of community. The children felt welcomed and accepted in Canada largely because of the support they received from organizations like CIWA and the broader community. It underscored the crucial role that community support plays in helping immigrants integrate and feel at home in a new country. 

In conclusion, my time volunteering with CIWA was not just about giving back; it was a journey of reflection and learning. It reminded me of my own struggles and triumphs as an immigrant and allowed me to witness firsthand the resilience and adaptability of immigrant children. This experience has inspired me to continue advocating for and supporting immigrant communities, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to succeed and thrive in their new environments. 

This week we welcome guest blogger Nirali Bhati.Nirali Bhate is a financial professional with a decade of corporate experience and a blend of marketing skills. Recently, Nirali moved to Canada for a better life and is passionate about writing and sharing her insights. She runs a quotes page on Instagram and loves nature, art, and music. After living in Calgary, she now calls beautiful British Columbia home. As the wife of a seafarer, she treasures family time as one of the most important things in life. 

Embracing Volunteering as a Newcomer in Canada 

Moving to a new country is both exciting and challenging. When I, Nirali, came to Canada, I was eager to immerse myself in this new world. Canada was so different from my home country, but one thing helped me settle in quickly: Volunteering. 

Starting Out 
As an immigrant, the transition to Canada was a mix of emotions. Everything was new, from the landscapes to the weather. Despite these changes, the warmth of the Canadian community stood out to me. One of the best decisions I made was to start volunteering at my child's school. I began helping with school events, and it was a wonderful way to meet other parents and teachers. Whether it was going on field trips or assisting in the classroom, each activity helped me feel more connected. 

Building Community 
Volunteering helped me understand the importance Canadians place on community service. This was different from my previous experiences and gave me a deeper appreciation for the culture here. It wasn't just about giving back; it was about becoming part of the community. 

Personal and Professional Growth 
Volunteering also benefited my professional life. This made my transition into the Canadian job market smoother. 

Making Connections 
One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering has been the relationships I've built. As the wife of a merchant navy officer, family time is precious and sometimes limited. Volunteering helped me create a support network and form friendships that have been invaluable during my husband's time away. This sense of community has made Canada feel like home. 

Encouraging Others 
I encourage other newcomers to volunteer. It helps you understand and integrate into the local culture, and it opens up opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether at schools, local charities, or community events, each volunteering opportunity is a chance to learn, grow, and contribute. 

A Journey of Discovery 
My journey from a bustling financial career in my home country to volunteering in the schools and communities of beautiful British Columbia has been one of discovery. Embracing the values of service and community has not only helped me integrate into Canadian society but has also enriched my family's life in countless ways. 

Discovering VolunteerConnector.org 
Last but not the least .....! I also discovered VolunteerConnector.org, an incredible resource that helps people find volunteering opportunities. Through this platform, I found a unique opportunity to write letters to pen pals. This was perfect for me because I could do it from the comfort of my home and it involved my passion for writing. Writing these letters not only allowed me to connect with others but also gave me a sense of fulfillment and purpose. 

Volunteering has been a cornerstone in my journey as an immigrant, and I encourage everyone, whether new to the country or a lifelong resident, to explore the opportunities it offers. It's a pathway to making meaningful connections and truly experiencing the heart of Canada. 

This week we welcome guest blog writer Aaqib Rahim. Aaqib was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan and has called the vibrant country of Canada home since 2013. Back in March 2020,

I applied through the VolunteerConnector website to volunteer with the Tetra Society of North America. Following this, I was then approached by Annae Jones, the Chapter Coordinator at that time. Even though, my stance initially was never to land a volunteering position at a non-profit specifically having seen Annae’s enthusiasm, kind, and welcoming gesture, despite being physically handicapped I felt almost obliged to accept her proposal. Simply put, having witnessed this, my perception regarding what it is like to volunteer at a non-profit changed significantly. I now hold the opinion that we must try our best to benefit our local and regional communities as much as possible to then ensure that both the environment as well as the nature are adequately preserved and taken care of. What incentivised me the most however was the fact that I would be helping in making a notable contribution upon the lives of the vulnerable individuals. These past four and a half years have helped me grow in confidence substantially. Tetra Society of North America provides valuable incentives for their volunteers. In that, all their volunteers are given out a small token of appreciation such as gift cards. Now thanks to this immeasurable experience I could apply elsewhere as well if I really wanted to. All that is required of me in this position at Tetra as an outreach volunteer is to promote the organization efficiently and effectively. That said, this then enables Tetra Society of North America in effectively attracting potential volunteers. In addition to which, provided the awareness methods are efficient Tetra is also able to help expand its reach across the various other Chapters (cities). Throughout my time here with Tetra Society of North America I have always felt welcomed and appreciated. That said, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been gifted the opportunity of giving back to the community. In my opinion, it is the little acts of generosity such as these that make up a significant difference, consequently bettering our livelihoods. So, let me ask you this: why wouldn’t you want to give back to your local community?

This week we welcome as a guest blog our wonderful colleague from the coast- Danielle George. Danielle is originally from Kansas, USA, she has fostered over 20 cats, dogs (see this guy with a fancy bowtie) and rabbits in the past 4 years! She is a roller derby aficionado and believes strongly that food is love. Danielle is a brilliant community leader at Volunteer Connections in Coquitlam, BC. 

Celebrating Community Spirit: The Community Connections & Volunteer Fair-On June 9th, the Port Coquitlam Community Centre buzzed with excitement as it hosted the Community Connections & Volunteer Fair. This vibrant event, a collaboration between Community Volunteer Connections and The City of Port Coquitlam, brought together community members from all walks of life to explore a myriad of opportunities to get involved locally.

A Day of Discovery and Connection-The free-to-attend fair was a resounding success, drawing in over 250 attendees eager to learn about how they could contribute to and benefit from their community. The heart of the fair was the diverse array of 28 organizations, each one dedicated to various causes and activities. These organizations provided information on local clubs, societies, summer programs, and the volunteer needs of area non-profits. Attendees had the chance to engage with representatives, ask questions, and find opportunities that matched their interests and availability.

Workshops: Learning and Creating Together- In addition to the booths, the event featured three workshops led by local organizations. These sessions covered a range of important topics impacting the community, like the pressing issue of the toxic drug crisis, and where to get resources for help. Another workshop offered a creative outlet with a hands-on activity to build hearts out of woven willow branches, bringing participants together through shared artistic expression.

A Hub for All-The Community Connections & Volunteer Fair was designed to serve as a vital link for various groups within the community. Seniors and retirees found new ways to stay active and involved, newcomers discovered avenues to integrate and contribute, students explored volunteer opportunities to complement their studies, and families enjoyed a day out learning and connecting together.

Strengthening Community Ties-Events like the Community Connections & Volunteer Fair are essential for building and maintaining strong community bonds. They provide platforms for individuals to find their place within the community, support local organizations, and work together towards common goals. The fair was not just about volunteering; it was about creating a sense of belonging and mutual support. The success of the event is a testament to the dedication of Community Volunteer Connections and The City of Port Coquitlam, as well as the participating organizations and enthusiastic attendees. Their collective efforts have fostered a more connected, informed, and engaged community. As the day came to a close, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment and optimism. The Community Connections & Volunteer Fair had not only highlighted the many ways to get involved locally but also reinforced the idea that a connected community is a thriving community. Here’s to more events like this, bringing people together and making a positive impact in the Tri-Cities areas.

What is happening, and what can we do about it?

Every Canadian grows up surrounded by hockey. It’s a pillar of culture and pride in our nation. As a country that boasts some of the longest and coldest winters on the planet, the sport is a bright spot nationally and globally. Frozen ponds and community rinks are home to rites of passage like lacing up for the first time, pushing a chair across the ice, and the inevitable bumps and bruises that follow. 

But what happens when the pride of our beloved pastime is marred by a culture that perpetuates sexual assault and protects the abusers? The problem lies in multiple areas: a legal system that doesn’t support victims—especially women, a locker room culture that ignores unhealthy behaviors and hazing, and inept leadership at the highest levels of Hockey Canada. It seems we can't go a few months without hearing of a new case, and these terrible accounts of assault are beginning to overshadow any gold medal or championship. All eyes will be on the reopened 2018 sexual assault case involving five Canadian hockey players as London Police have committed to justice and reform.

It can be easy to feel helpless when you see continued injustice committed against women and young players. Part of the solution is to help lobby for change. Take the initiative to raise awareness and inform your local and national representatives that this issue matters. You can act by providing support for organizations that are helping those affected by sexual abuse. We must not wait on the sidelines for change but advocate for those affected by sexual abuse, work to prevent it, and reassess the systems perpetuating it. Several organizations in Calgary are striving to support victims of sexual abuse and provide education and awareness. You can volunteer or donate to these organizations to help make a difference.

Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse, or CCASA, aims to educate and provide support for individuals affected by sexual harassment and abuse. They have been working in the space for 25 years and are always looking for volunteers to help spread awareness of their work. They also provide extensive training for volunteers on their support and information line.

Salal Sexual Violence Support Center has a 24-hour crisis and support line; they provide services to walk alongside those affected by sexual abuse, including counseling and court accompaniment. You can volunteer at fundraisers, at the crisis line, and with operations around the office.

CoSA Canada is actively advocating for legislative reform and working to provide research-based restorative justice programs. Their research shows that the chances of a second offense can be reduced by up to 80% with proper systems in place. Not only are they actively seeking volunteers, but they are also providing training for those who want to help in this space.

Little Warriors provides a safe space for children and youth who have been affected by sexual abuse. They focus on raising awareness through education, workshops, and research, as well as programs and treatment facilities to support those directly affected by trauma. They always look for donations to keep their programs running and volunteers to help run workshops and provide education.

All these organizations share the need to champion awareness and education. We must hold bodies like Hockey Canada, our lawmakers, and the police force accountable., It is equally imperative that we educate ourselves, our communities, and our children. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, all these organizations listed have someone you can reach out to for help. You can call 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency line (in Calgary) at 403-266-1234 to report sexual abuse.