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November 2023 - Aleena Galbiati

Discover the inspiring story of Aleena, a dedicated youth volunteer at the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre (KMFRC). Her commitment to fostering a supportive community for military families creates a lasting impact and serves as an inspiration for others to give back to their communities and make a difference. 

Throughout the summer, Aleena dedicated her time, volunteering 1-3 times a week, to water the front garden areas at the KMFRC. This simple act of kindness brought life and vibrancy to the center, creating a welcoming atmosphere for military families and visitors.  

“Thanks to Aleena's consistent care for the front garden areas, the KMFRC has received positive feedback from military families, parents utilizing the childcare center, and staff. These individuals appreciate the appeal and beauty of the spaces Aleena has nurtured. By creating an inviting environment, Aleena has helped the KMFRC fulfill its vision of establishing a supported and connected community for military families,” says April Andrews, KMFRC Volunteer Coordinator. 

The KMFRC strongly values empowerment and actively invests in staff and volunteers who take the initiative in supporting their clients and communities. Aleena embodies this value through her commitment to the center. As a young person, she seeks to make a difference and actively learns about the importance of volunteering. Through her participation in KMFRC events, Aleena shows her support for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families, veterans, and the local community. 

Aleena's journey as a volunteer at the KMFRC exemplifies the positive impact one person can make in a community. She has enriched the center's environment through her consistent care and dedication, bringing joy to military families and visitors alike. Aleena's selfless actions align with the KMFRC's vision of creating a supportive and connected community for military families.

“I chose to volunteer in the beginning as I thought it would be a fun activity to do to come out of my shell a little bit and most importantly to give back to my community.  Now that I have volunteered at some of the events and seen the effort behind putting everything together to give everyone who attends an amazing time I fell in love with it all.  This volunteer experience has definitely broken me out of that shell. I feel as though I can give back to the community while also making amazing memories and new friends.  I will definitely be volunteering until I am finished with High School and most likely even beyond that”, says Aleena. 

Aleena explains the sense of accomplishment knowing that she is able to make a difference in the lives of the people that live in her community.  Volunteering overall makes me a happier person. 

Aleena encourages youth to volunteer, “Just go for it, I know you might be thinking you’re going to be alone and not know what to do and probably be really nervous.  I was all of those things and more but I have an amazing dad who helped me realize everything was going to be just fine and I was going to do an amazing job.  With that wise and encouraging advice passed on to me, I promise once you put yourself out there and talk to everyone you will love it.  You will make so many new friends and make many new memories that will last you a lifetime.  Volunteering truly is a life-changing experience.”