Meet the Volunteer: Samantha

Meet Samantha, one of the Zebra Centre’s amazing volunteers.

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

Samantha: I am a Child Advocate, and I have been volunteering for over a year now.

Q: What do you love most about volunteering?

Samantha: What I love most about volunteering is being part of a space where children feel safe, supported, and truly heard. The Zebra Centre brings together an incredible team focused on making a very difficult experience a little less overwhelming for kids and their families.

As a volunteer, even the smallest moments—offering a calm presence, helping create a welcoming environment, or simply showing kindness—can make a meaningful impact. It’s powerful to know that you’re part of a team that walks alongside children every step of the way and helps them feel supported during such an important time.

Q: What does a typical shift look like?

Samantha: I support the Centre in two main roles: care calls and first contacts.

When making care calls, I connect with families to check in, offer emotional support, provide referrals to services, and share updates on court processes and what to expect next.

During first contact shifts, I have the privilege of meeting children and families during their initial visits to the Centre. I help create a calm and supportive environment, supporting during police interviews, and provide guidance and education around available supports and next steps.

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

Samantha: My “why” is simple: every child deserves to feel safe, believed, and supported.

The Zebra Centre’s approach—bringing together professionals and volunteers to surround children with care—really resonates with me. It reflects the idea that when a community comes together, we can help carry the weight of something no child should have to face alone.

Being part of that support system, even in a small way, is what motivates me to continue showing up. If I can help make even one child’s experience feel a little less scary and a little more supported, it’s worth it every single time.