I guess you could say I started my fundraising career early – in fact, I was just 12 years old the first time I tried fundraising for a non-profit. It was for the Canadian Cancer Society because the mission was close to my heart and personal: my grandmother had just passed away from cancer. Obviously there are some differences with the role I have now as Director of Development at Family Services of Greater Vancouver, but that first time fundraising really did spark something inside of me.
It’s been many years since then, and in those years I’ve had the privilege of contributing to so many amazing causes: Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Villa Cathay Care Home, Crisis Centre of BC, BC Wildfire Federation, and Burnaby Hospital Foundation. At each place, I have taken great pride in building a culture of philanthropy and in truly connected donors to the mission.
My whole career, there has been a steady pull on my heart toward social services. I love the humanity of it: knowing that people’s lives are improving because of the work we’re all doing. There are so many worthy causes, of course, but my heart really does belong to supporting people. I’m thrilled to be applying this passion to FSGV – this organization does it all! We’re opening doors to opportunities for unhoused youth, making sure victims and survivors have the supports and care they deserve, and providing all kinds of resources to give families a helping hand when they need it most.
FSGV is an exciting place to be – and this is a particularly exciting time to be involved. Our organization is about to turn 100 years old! To be here, celebrating such a long history and imagining how we can continue to be here for our neighbours for the next century is inspiring. FSGV has been building brighter tomorrows, one step at a time, with their caring neighbours – and now it’s my honour to be part of what’s next.
If you want to chat about how you can get involved in supporting FSGV’s mission, please get in touch with me by email at [email protected] or by phone at 604-349-2263.