When the clock doesn't matter
August 23, 2004
By Cam Tait
AGASSIZ, BC // It was just going to be a six-hour shift for Jenny Soukphamuong.
The summer recreation programming assistant student knew she wanted
to share some time with the Relay for Life, so six hours seemed like
a good fit. Ten hours later...
"An extra ten hours seems like a lot, but the time went by fast. I was
having fun and everything about Relay was so powerful and moving that
I just ended up staying to help out," Jenny says in an e-mail.
The Relay for Life has grown to be a huge fundraising event for the
Canadian Cancer Society. People walk around a local park all night long
raising funds. A poignant sight in the middle of the track reminds them
why they are there: luminaries with the names of people who have been
affected by cancer.
Jenny first got involved with Relay for Life in March 2003. She wants
to start a career in public relations so she offered to hang around
the event and help ink a few press releases. Before that she didn't
know anything about the relay.
She stayed with the Canadian Cancer Society. "The event is fun, and
the purpose is to raise money for cancer support and research," she
says. "I can only hope that one day no one will suffer from the disease,
and if they are diagnosed, I can hope the money raised at this event
will cure them of it."
This year, Jenny served as the event's volunteer coordinator in her
area. She help recruit other volunteers, lent a hand in orienting them,
and gave them support during the event itself.
"I have meet so many amazing people these past few years," Jenny says.
"I think it is the human connection that is so memorable. It is hard
to choose just one [favourite memory]. Knowing that all of the participants
and committee members are at Relay for the same reason as the volunteers
instills a sense of purpose in what you are doing."
Jenny makes an interesting point. "I found that once you approach the
right person with reasons why they should be volunteering, they bring
their friends to volunteer with them. Get in contact with your local
high school and colleges; students need work experience. I am in the
age range where people are trying to gain experience. The majority of
my friends are beginning to volunteer more and more."
Jenny has been able to share the knowledge she gained with Relay in
her current position as a recreation programming assistant. One of her
roles is to solicit local businesses to sponsor summer events. "Door
prize hunting for the Cancer Society has taught me how to effectively
approach businesses."
Jenny's advice for volunteers? "Do it for the cause. Whatever time you
contribute is greatly appreciated!" And don't worry about punching the
clock.
Do you know someone who deserves to be in the Charity Village Spotlight? Send us their name, telephone number and details about their community involvement to cam@charityvillage.com.
