Meet the Volunteer: Sydney

Meet one of the Zebra Centre’s wonderful volunteers, Sydney!

Q: Tell us about your role as a volunteer at the Zebra Centre. 

Sydney: I serve in two roles at the Zebra Centre. I volunteer as both a Child Advocate and a Community Engagement Volunteer. As a Child Advocate, I provide over-the-phone emotional support to caregivers of children who have been impacted by abuse. As a Community Engagement Volunteer, I attend fundraising and education events to share the Centre’s mission with the community.  

Q: What does a typical “day in the life” as a volunteer look like? 

Sydney: When I arrive for my 2-hour shift, I first check the front board to see if there have been any changes in protocols or workflow. Next, I log in to the Zebra database to view the list of families that need to be contacted. I start at the top with the most critical calls, which can include anything from a visit-follow up, to a court update, to simply providing an emotional check-in. Afterwards, I send caregivers relevant resources and document our interaction.  

Q: What do you love most about your role? 

Sydney: The thing I love most about my role is having the opportunity to support parents throughout this incredibly difficult journey. I can’t imagine what them and their children are going through, and being able to offer information and reassurance is the most rewarding part of my role.  

Q: What is your proudest moment at the Zebra Centre so far? 

Sydney: My proudest moment at the Zebra Centre has been organizing and hosting three annual toy drives with my ringette team in the National Ringette League! We have collected so many toys and stuffed animals that kids can access through Hope’s Toy closet after their visit to the Centre.  

Q: What motivates you to show your stripes (your why)? 

Sydney: What motivates me to constantly show my stripes are the children and youth that the Centre supports! These kids and families deserve all the support in the world, and having the opportunity to be a helpful and positive voice in their journey is the most inspiring.  

Q: Lastly, share a surprising or fun fact about you.  

Sydney: This year, I ran my first half marathon at RunWild in St. Albert, AB, which was also a fundraiser for the Zebra Centre!