Team member: Josee Mackin, Saint John, N.B.

I volunteer with PALS because it is an organization that helps young inner-city students reach their full potential. For the past two years I have volunteered as a reading buddy helping kids read French. I find it very rewarding and exciting knowing that my small contribution is making a big difference in a child's education and possibly their future.

Team member: Rob Boulanger, Saint John, N.B.

I volunteer with PALS because the idea of members of the business community helping out local schools in economically disadvantaged areas was appealing to me. I have been volunteering for the past 2 years, where I've worked one on one with grade two students to help them with their reading skills. The kids are very bright and eager to learn. 

Team member: Scott Purdie, Sydney, N.S.

"I volunteered with the Cape Breton Cares Radiothon as my way of helping the Cape Breton Regional Hospital foundation raise funds to help keep Cape Bretoners home for care. Funds raised from the Radiothon will go toward things such as the Cape Breton Cancer Centre’s Patient Care Fund as well as new equipment for the Renal Dialysis Unit, Harriss Emergency Department, Pediatrics Unit, Intensive Care Unit, and the Cape Breton Cancer Centre."

Since 1991, the Foundation, thanks to the generosity of our community, has raised more than $15 million to purchase medical equipment that has dramatically reduced wait times and provided an increased menu of services – closer to home.

Team member: Yves LeBlanc, Moncton, N.B.

I volunteer with the Amis des Aigles Bleus to raise funds to help the players/students pay for their expenses at U de M. I am also involved in scouting for the team. The reason I got involved was because it was a team that I watched growing up and I wanted to make a difference not only on the ice but off as well. I like hockey and want to encourage kids to get an education so it's a natural fit for me.

Team member: Yves LeBlanc, Moncton, N.B.

I am a volunteer blood donor for Canadian Blood Services. I got involved because a very small effort can potentially make a very big difference in somebody's life. I read about people's lives being saved because people gave blood and I thought: I have to do this!

Team member: Nova Westenberger, Truro/New Glasgow, N.S.

I am a Champion for Canadian Blood Services' Partners for Life Program. Partners for Life is a program that allows donors to give as a group, working toward a goal together. I chose this organization because I believe donating blood is important. It is very rewarding to be a part of a group of people who care so much for others.

Team member: Yves LeBlanc, Moncton, N.B.

I am involved with the Run for the Cure through my wife's team at Bank of Nova Scotia. I got involved because over the years, I have lost a lot of people close to me to cancer, and I was looking for a way to make a difference. Cancer has touched everybody's life in one way or another, and I think it's something we all have to try and do something about.

Team member: Tamara Kelly, Saint John, N.B.

I am a volunteer with the Girl Guides of Canada – Guides du Canada. I am the New Brunswick Provincial Membership Adviser. I have been a member since I was a Brownie, and have volunteered with Girl Guides since I was 18. I feel that the opportunities available to me when I was a girl should be available to all girls in Canada, and that is why I volunteer with the Girl Guide Movement. I enjoy being part of an organization that teaches life skills that will last a girl a lifetime.

Team member: Scott Purdie, Sydney, N.S.

I volunteer every Wednesday morning with the Breakfast Program at Cornwallis Elementary School in Sydney, through the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board. The reason I got involved was to help kids get a healthy breakfast and meet new people. Running a breakfast program takes a number of hands and whether it involves pouring cereal, buttering toast, or tying someone's shoe, you walk away knowing you helped a child. 

Team member: Jennifer Cleator, Dartmouth, N.S.

I volunteer with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia. I chose this organization because many women in Canada find themselves having to make choices that put them at risk of being in conflict with the law. The Elizabeth Fry Society provides programming and support for these women, helping them realize their potential and empower themselves. I am currently a member of the Board of Directors. As a member of the board, I have the ability to help the staff ensure that their organization prospers. As a member of the finance committee, I help to ensure the accuracy of information available for funding grant applications, the maintenance of financial commitments, and the identification of areas of potential growth.