Meet the Volunteer: Natasha

Meet one of the Zebra Centre’s outstanding volunteers, Natasha!

Q: What is your role and how long have you been volunteering with the Zebra Centre?

Natasha: I have been volunteering at the Zebra Centre since January 2022 and I have held various roles as a child advocate, including calls, first contacts, and court preps. Right now, I primarily volunteer for first contacts.

Q: What do you love most about volunteering?

Natasha: I love getting to work with people from so many different backgrounds every shift, including the families I support, the zebra staff, and the RCMP and EPS teams here at the centre. It is also very meaningful for me to be able to support children and their families as they go through this difficult period of their lives.

Q: What does a typical shift look like?

Natasha: During first contacts, I arrive at the centre and welcome families I am assigned to support. I make them feel comfortable by providing snacks and toys, and answering any questions they have. When kiddos head off to their interview, I provide families with information about the support they can expect from the Zebra Centre. After, I take the kiddos to the toy closet so they can bring a new toy home with them! Once the family leaves the centre, I finish my shift with administrative duties related to the family’s case file. 

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

Natasha: Oftentimes kiddos come to the centre feeling afraid and overwhelmed, especially because they worry that no one will believe them. I want to make sure they feel heard and seen throughout the process so that going forward, they know that if anyone treats them badly, they have the right to speak up and be believed.