Deb's dedication and duty
October 18, 2004
By Cam Tait
VANCOUVER, BC // Deborah Nicols has a unique idea on how to thank volunteers
for their efforts...just ask them.
"Some volunteers like to be thanked publicly, some privately," says Deb. "It's important to recognize that each person is different and to tailor the thanks in a way that is meaningful to them."
It's been more than four years since Deb got involved with the Big Sisters' program. She wanted to share time with a young girl, Maryam, who was "growing up in difficult socio-economic circumstances." Then, in November 2001, she was asked to join the Big Sisters' board. The next June she was appointed vice president.
Yet, she still wanted to share more. She's also president of the board for the Giovanni Bastone Foundation, a group she started in September to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer.
For Deb, it was pretty close to home;
Giovanni was her boyfriend's father. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1987 and died nine months later. "When he was receiving his cancer treatments in hospital he was particularly affected by the children he met," Deb recalls. "He often said he felt guilty for having been given the opportunity to live to 54 when many of these children wouldn't get to celebrate their next birthday."
The 99 Red Balloons Casino, Dinner & Dance was the Giovanni Bastone Foundation's first event, attracting 350 people and raising $20,000 - 100% more than their goal. The event featured some of Giovanni's favorite pastimes: playing cards, dancing and socializing.
There are challenges, of course, but Deb views them as opportunities.
The GBF is a grassroots organization that was started from scratch.
"We are currently focused on expanding our network," Deb says. "The
more we do, the more support we garner. In fact, we are quite humbled
by the level of interest in our organization from complete strangers."
The group was very encouraged when they posted a volunteer opportunity
for a web site designer. They received more than ten applications.
Deb's a busy woman, but luckily her professional role allows her flexibility.
As a human resources consultant, she can adjust her schedule to attend
meetings, do fundraising, plan events, and be with her Little Sister.
Acceptance, patience, diplomacy, and trust are a few things Deb has learned from her volunteer roles. "Being a part of Big Sisters has given me a unique perspective on kindness. Women who are Big Sisters and everyone who is involved in the management of the organization - our executive director, Big Sisters' staff, our board of directors, and our honorary board - are amazing women and men who have one common goal: to enhance the self-esteem and self-confidence of young girls."
"My favorite quote is 'We make a living by what we get, we make a life
by what we give'," says Deb. "It took me a while, as I think it took
many adults in my generation, to figure out what Winston Churchill meant.
Before I decided to become a Big Sister, I was aware of the need for
volunteers in our community but I wasn't at the right point in my life
to take action. Since becoming a Big Sister and launching the GBF, I
am continually motivated by the opportunity to be part of a greater
cause, to work with teams of like-minded individuals who want to have
an impact on their community."
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.
