Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1373665
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? C . P - M I think it's the spirit of true collaboration. If you have an idea or if you want to do something to help, it's always welcomed and embraced at TFS. This is an environment where everyone's open to hearing your ideas and figuring out how to collectively make it happen. I love that. What does the TFS community mean to you? C . P - M What stands out for me is that we all have a common goal. We're a group of parents, staff and students, and we all share this commitment to not just make our school a better place to come to every day, but to make the community experience better for everyone. It might be cliché to say it takes a village, but I really believe that. Another thing that inspires me about our community is that it's so diverse – not just in culture, but in the range of experiences that we all bring. As a volunteer, you always know that someone else will bring something amazing to the table. So, when we're thinking of ideas for how to create an event, for example, you get various perspectives. And that's something that benefits all of us. Are there any moments as a volunteer that stand out for you? C . P - M For me, every opportunity that we get to create a big event is special. As a parents' association, we really focus on how we can engage the community. And, with every event we plan, like Kermesse or our Marché d'hiver, it's about how we can engage a new parent at every touch point. How can we encourage them to join us? We've got a good group that really rallies to support TFS and is committed to do whatever we can to help the school keep doing what they do. As a long-time volunteer, do you see yourself as a mentor to others? C . P - M I would say I just strive to be a really good team player. When I do share my knowledge and experience, it's a byproduct of being in a group environment and working together. There are many times when I feel like I'm the one being mentored, where I'm embracing all the experiences of the other families. So, it's not just an experience of giving. I also get a lot from it. Cathy Piedra-McKenzie embraces the values of TFS in everything she does. Always willing to lend a hand, the mother of two students and recipient of the 2020 Volunteer of Distinction award sets a shining example of principled and positive engagement. D O N O R P R O F I L E 2 4