Brian began volunteering with EAF when he was just fifteen. He and his friend, Patrick, brought an energy and enthusiasm to the activities they attended. Both teens had an excellent sense of humour and they brought that fun-loving spirit with them as they volunteered. Brian remembers a boy who was so shy he didn’t speak or make eye contact with any of the kids or volunteers. Brian worked hard to help him develop self-confidence and to develop relationships with the other children. By the end of their time together, the shy teen was introducing himself to other event participants, cracking jokes and generally having a wonderful time. Brian still has contact with this individual more than a decade later. Before responding to events, many families would ask, on behalf of their teen, if Brian and Patrick would be volunteering that day. Their presence brought increased numbers of attendees.
Not only were the children changed and influenced by these two volunteers, Brian tells us how much the experience changed him too. His empathy for the challenges the kids faced grew as did his understanding of the challenges caregivers face. In Brian’s words, “seeing their struggles brought me to empathize with them (the kids), and respect them a great deal”. He became more understanding and compassionate as he worked with children with developmental delays.
Brian went on to become a Summer Support Worker with us while he studied at McMaster. Today, he continues to support our Holiday Hamper Program and, recently, made a huge impact by including us in his workplace fundraising efforts. Our special thanks go out to Brian for his contribution to the children and teens that our organization serves. He was an incredibly special volunteer who has grown into a very special man. Thanks, Brian!
