Happy National Volunteer Week and a massive THANK YOU to our CFL volunteer team! Volunteers are the heart of the Centre for Family Literacy and play a vital role in building stronger families and communities. Their dedication and generosity make it possible to offer free literacy programs to children and adults who might otherwise go without support. Volunteers bring diverse skills, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Their presence not only enhances program quality but also strengthens community engagement and social connection. The time, energy, and care that volunteers invest have a ripple effect – empowering families to build literacy skills that can change lives.
We are so happy to recognize a number of volunteers with our Volunteer Awards. Our Best In Class awards celebrate volunteers who demonstrate excellence in their roles, and the Ripple Effect Award is given to volunteer(s) who truly champion literacy in the community through their volunteer work and beyond. It is an honour to celebrate these volunteers and share their stories with our community.
Ripple Effect Award: Dolce Lee
I’m a mother of two from Taiwan and joined CFL in 2022. I began in the Adult Tutor Program and group classes, and soon started volunteering in the family programs. Being part of CFL has been a truly rewarding experience. I’ve loved helping families and children learn through songs, stories, and engaging activities. Seeing the children smile and enjoy learning brings me so much joy. This opportunity has helped me become more confident and improve my communication skills. I’ve also felt supported by the staff at CFL and am proud to be part of such a caring team. I’m very grateful for the experience and hope to continue my journey with CFL.
Through my time here, I’ve completed ECE Level 1, improved my English across several levels, and gained work experience in childcare. I try to bring warmth, reliability, and a love of learning to everything I do. I’ve learned to see everyday moments as chances to grow. I’m proud to set an example for my children, and I’m especially happy that my husband has also started volunteering with CFL. I’m excited to keep learning, giving, and growing as part of this wonderful community.
Best In Class Award – Adult Tutors: Aaron Fox
Since August of 2021, I have had the privilege of volunteering as an adult tutor, meeting weekly with my learner to provide instruction in math, writing, and reading. My decision to become a tutor stemmed from a sense of gratitude for the opportunities I have had to pursue a higher education. Volunteering as a tutor has been a meaningful way to pay that privilege forward and contribute to the growth and success of others.
The impact of our tutoring sessions extends beyond academic achievement. My learner’s determination to obtain her GED and her recent employment as an educational assistant has reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible education and lifelong learning. Seeing her gain confidence and apply her skills to positively impact others has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of volunteering with the CFL. My tutee’s dedication has inspired me to be a better teacher, listener, and mentor.
Best In Class Award – Adult Tutors: Ruth Coppens
I became a tutor to have a different kind of volunteer opportunity that would challenge me to develop new skill sets. Literacy is critical to me, and my desire was to have a learner who would be able to read English stories to his/her young children.
I got that and more! I better understand the complexities of the English language, and have learned to teach what I intuitively and experientially know. My learner now shares my love of reading and appreciates the richness of the development of characters, environment, and plot. After working together for a few years, CFL reassessed my learner, and she has advanced a couple of levels.
The positives of our Tutor-Learner experience could not have happened without such a great program offered by the CFL. The resources and support available benefit both tutors and learners and contribute to great results.
Best In Class Award – Adult Group Programs: Felix
Volunteering with The Centre for Family Literacy has been an incredibly meaningful experience. I’ve learned that we’re not paid with money, but with smiles, and that’s more valuable than anything. Every moment spent helping others or the community has shown me how one life can influence another in the most positive ways. Through this journey, I’ve learned to appreciate the little things and the deep joy that comes from helping others. Luckily, I’ve received heartfelt feedback—one told me she’s now more interested in what I teach and wants to learn more from me, and one has built closer connections with her friends and family through my instruction. It reminds me that what is more blessed to give than to receive. I’m grateful to have been part of this mission and look forward to continuing to support it in any way I can.
Best In Class Award – Family Group Programs: Mehzabin Zakaria
For over a year, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer as an online co-facilitator with Family Literacy. This experience has been very meaningful to me because I once participated in Family Literacy programs as a child. My early experiences with this incredible organization initiated my love of learning and helped shape who I am today. Returning as a volunteer has felt like a full-circle moment for me. I’ve been able to work with some exceptional facilitators, who have inspired me with their dedication to bringing engaging and meaningful literacy experiences for families. This volunteering opportunity with family literacy has given me the chance to give back to the organization that once supported me and my family. I am very grateful to be a part of such a phenomenal community!
Best In Class Award – Board and Committee Members: Wayne Klaczek
Volunteering with CFL has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m truly honoured to receive this recognition. Through my work with the CFL team, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the transformative power of literacy. It breaks down barriers and opens doors to new opportunities. Witnessing the impact of the center’s literacy programs has been truly inspiring. Literacy is more than just reading and writing – it empowers individuals to engage fully with society and improve their lives. My time with CFL has also reinforced the vital role of education. The progress of these learners serves as a powerful reminder of the value of lifelong learning and personal growth. This experience has inspired me to continue seeking opportunities for personal growth and development, just as the learners do every day. I am deeply grateful to CFL for this recognition and for the chance to contribute to such an impactful organization.
