Volunteer Archives - GlobalMedic

World Refugee Day: GlobalMedic’s Impact on the Ground

World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, highlights the resilience and struggles of millions of refugees worldwide. This day encourages a deeper understanding of their journeys, often fraught with peril as they flee from conflict and disaster to seek safety and stability for themselves and their families. It also highlights the indispensable role organizations like GlobalMedic play in providing vital aid to these displaced populations.

Refugees face numerous challenges, from the immediate danger of conflict to the uncertainties of life in temporary camps that often lack adequate resources. The journey to a new home is complex and bureaucratic, potentially dragging on for years.

GlobalMedic has been actively involved in providing crucial support to refugees affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Immediately following the escalation of conflict in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians began fleeing the country, ending up in neighbouring countries like Romania and Moldova. GlobalMedic began responding to the needs of refugees in both countries, but as the refugee populations have shifted over the last two years the response now focuses on Moldova where more than 120,000 Ukrainian refugees are still residing. GlobalMedic has been producing food hampers locally in Moldova which are distributed weekly to Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan host families. This program has delivered more than 200,000 food hampers to families in need.

Moreover, GlobalMedic’s commitment extends beyond immediate relief in the wake of the initial conflict. The programs set up in Moldova have been running for more than two years, recognizing the long-term reality of refugees who have been displaced for such an extended time. Our response has included both robust logistics from Canada to distribute Family Emergency Kits and local procurement, significantly bolstering our capacity to provide sustained assistance.

Volunteers are the backbone of GlobalMedic’s operations. In the past year alone, volunteers contributed over 50,000 hours of their time, packing and delivering aid. The dedication of these volunteers, who come from all walks of life, fuels GlobalMedic’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises. Additionally, in a unique approach to fostering community and self-reliance among displaced populations, GlobalMedic has involved refugees in Moldova in their programs. These individuals support other refugees by assisting in the distribution of aid, utilizing their firsthand understanding of the needs and challenges faced by displaced communities.

This involvement not only provides practical assistance but also empowers refugees by giving them an active role in their own recovery and in supporting others experiencing similar hardships. This model of involving refugees in aid efforts exemplifies a full-circle approach to humanitarian aid, where beneficiaries become benefactors, enhancing the effectiveness and the human connection in the aid provided.

Rahul Singh reflects on the spirit and dedication of those involved, “I am proud of our team of professional humanitarians who keep the operations running smoothly despite these turbulent times. The world needs more of the solutions that our teams deliver.”

As we mark World Refugee Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge and support the efforts of organizations that are supporting refugees around the world. Their work does more than just meet immediate needs—it also lays the groundwork for long-term recovery and stability. This day is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by refugees and the importance of sustained, community-driven support to help them rebuild their lives.

Five Reasons to Volunteer in 2024

Five Reasons to Volunteer in 2024

Volunteering is more than an act of kindness, it is an act of giving that extends well beyond the immediate impact it creates in your community. In today’s busy and quickly changing world, where even small actions lead to significant outcomes, the role of volunteers has become increasingly crucial. Volunteering is a unique blend of altruism and personal development, a space where individuals contribute meaningfully while experiencing growth in multiple aspects of their lives. It’s a commitment that not only brings change and assistance to those in need but also offers opportunities for personal enrichment and connection.

A World of Opportunity in Volunteering

Volunteering in 2024 is diverse and full of possibilities, from online actions to in-person events, it caters to a wide range of interests and skills, making it accessible and appealing to people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a student looking to gain real-world experience, a professional seeking to share their skills and give back to the community, or anyone in between, volunteering offers a pathway to new experiences and perspectives. It’s a journey that is both rewarding and enlightening, allowing individuals to explore their potential, learn new skills, and make a difference in the world.

Here are 5 reasons to volunteer today!

Skill Development and Team Building: Volunteering allows individuals or work teams to develop and enhance a variety of skills. For professionals, it’s an opportunity to apply their expertise in a new context, foster teamwork, and build leadership skills. For students and those early in their careers, it’s a chance to gain practical experience and learn from seasoned professionals. Group volunteering fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration, enhancing interpersonal skills that are vital in any professional setting.

Personal Well-being: Participating in volunteer activities has been consistently linked to improved mental and emotional health. Volunteers often report a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and a reduction in stress levels. The act of helping others provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, contributing significantly to overall life satisfaction and well-being.

Community Connection: One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is the strong sense of community it builds. Volunteers often develop meaningful relationships with the people they help and with fellow volunteers. These connections lead to a deeper understanding of different cultures and lifestyles, fostering empathy and a sense of global citizenship.

Career Advancement: Volunteering can be a valuable addition to a resume. It demonstrates initiative, a willingness to take on challenges, and a commitment to social responsibility. The diverse experiences gained through volunteering can provide a competitive edge in the job market, showcasing adaptability and a broad skill set.

Personal Growth: Volunteering offers rich opportunities for self-discovery and development. It encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, face new challenges, and reflect on their values and goals. This self-awareness and growth are invaluable, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

The Impact of Volunteers at GlobalMedic

At GlobalMedic, volunteers are the cornerstone of our initiatives, from addressing food insecurity in Canada through a program such as McAntony’s Menu to providing disaster relief internationally.

“Our volunteers are the driving force behind our work,” explains Jamie Cross, Senior Emergency Programs Manager. “Their dedication, skill, and compassion for others allow us to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.” Adding to this, Denise, a volunteer with GlobalMedic shares her experience: “Volunteering with GlobalMedic has been a transformative experience. It’s not just about the time or effort given; it’s about being part of a larger movement that truly changes lives.”

A Ripple Effect of Goodness

For Denise, and the many people who donate their time to GlobalMedic, volunteering is much more than a simple act of service; it’s a powerful catalyst for positive change. Each volunteer, whether contributing to McAntony’s Menu or sharing their skills for disaster relief, plays a critical role in caring for those in need, and building a resilient community.

To be a volunteer goes beyond the immediate task at hand—it ignites a chain reaction of goodwill and impacts lives in profound ways. You’re not just giving your time; you’re making a difference across communities and borders.

Every volunteer journey starts with a single step—one volunteer, one act of kindness, one community at a time. Take yours today by visiting our volunteer page and discover how you can leave a lasting impact on the world.

Strengthening Communities Through Volunteerism: GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu

In Canada, where food insecurity impacts over 18% of the population, or roughly 6.9 million individuals, innovative and community-driven solutions are essential. GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu stands out as a key initiative in this fight, providing vital access to nutritious meals and addressing a critical societal need.

Volunteer Efforts Driving McAntony’s Menu

At the core of McAntony’s Menu is a reliance on volunteer efforts to address Canada’s food insecurity challenges. This program focuses on procuring, packaging, and distributing essential food items like rice, lentils, and beans. These items are selected for their nutritional value and alignment with Canadian families’ diverse dietary needs. Volunteers play a crucial role at every stage of this process.

In a thoughtful approach that respects the dignity of recipients, volunteers work collaboratively to package food items in a manner akin to retail products. They also play a key role in distributing these packages, ensuring they reach families and individuals most in need.

The program is designed not only to provide immediate food relief but also to foster community and shared responsibility. Volunteers contribute their time and skills to help McAntony’s Menu create a sustainable and impactful response to food insecurity, becoming part of a larger movement that champions compassion and proactive community engagement.

Denise, an active GlobalMedic volunteer, reflects on her experience: “Volunteering with GlobalMedic has been incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just giving time; it’s about making a tangible difference and connecting with like-minded individuals.” This sentiment aligns with research showing that volunteering offers a sense of purpose and can significantly enhance life satisfaction and self-esteem, particularly when engaging in meaningful activities.

An person volunteering to pack green peas for our McAntony's Menu program

Community Support: A Pillar of Success

The effectiveness of McAntony’s Menu is also bolstered by strong community support. Contributions from local businesses, schools, and individual supporters are vital, ensuring the initiative’s continued success in combating food insecurity.

Volunteering has been linked to notable health benefits for participants, including improved physical and mental health. Volunteers often report better health outcomes and lower rates of depression and anxiety than non-volunteers, especially beneficial for older adults. This enhancement in well-being is largely attributed to the stress reduction and positive emotions associated with helping others.

Moreover, volunteering expands social interaction and aids in building networks based on shared values, further strengthening the community support system.

The ripple effect of volunteering extends well beyond the immediate task at hand, inspiring others to contribute and highlighting the power of collective action in addressing significant societal issues. Ultimately, it centres on meeting the needs of those affected by food insecurity.

Sustainability at the Heart of McAntony’s Menu

McAntony’s Menu offers a sustainable approach to food insecurity by providing nutritious and culturally diverse food options, addressing the essential need for appropriate food access.

There are various ways to support McAntony’s Menu. Donations are crucial as they enable the purchase of food supplies and support the operational aspects of the program. Individuals and organizations can contribute financially or donate food items. Each contribution, regardless of size, makes a significant impact.

To donate, visit GlobalMedic.ca/donate or contact our office directly. Those interested in volunteering can find information on opportunities and registration at GlobalMedic.ca/volunteer.

GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu demonstrates the profound impact of community involvement in addressing food insecurity. It represents a commitment that transcends immediate aid, focusing on building resilience and empowering communities. The program exemplifies how unified efforts can create lasting, positive changes for individuals and communities facing food insecurity.

COVID-19 Vaccination Support

Sarah Twomey – Emergency Programs Intern

At GlobalMedic we are incredibly thankful for our dedicated volunteers who make our work possible. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, our volunteers have worked tirelessly to help vulnerable community members navigate the registration process to receive a vaccine and have committed an incredible number of hours to help support pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics around the GTA. Volunteers fill a number of vital roles at the clinics including assisting with registration, crowd control, observation of individuals post-vaccine, and general logistical operations. By supporting these areas, we help the clinics function in a smooth and efficient manner, allowing more people to receive their vaccinations. As of August 1, GlobalMedic volunteers have participated in over 261 COVID-19 vaccination events helping more than 218,000 people receive their vaccines.

While every clinic we support is integral in the effort to get Canadians vaccinated, one clinic, in particular, is going above and beyond to provide vaccines for some of the most vulnerable populations – the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Healthcare (CCRIHC) in Scarborough. GlobalMedic has been working with the CCRIHC for the past year to support its efforts to provide vaccines to undocumented persons, immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees, international visa students, homeless persons, and those without a health card. This clinic is filling a large gap in the vaccination administration program, as many people were previously ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine unless they could present proof of coverage under OHIP. These populations are also some of the most at-risk for contracting the COVID-19 virus as many work in essential, frontline jobs and live in densely populated areas.

GlobalMedic volunteers directing patients into a COVID-19 vaccination clinic — GlobalMedic Team Lead Don Jorgensen directing patrons in and out of a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic

GlobalMedic volunteers handing out food and hygiene items at a pop-up vaccination clinic — GlobalMedic Team Lead Don Jorgensen directing patrons in and out of a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic

GlobalMedic believes that regardless of citizenship status, age, race, sex, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, everyone in Canada should have equitable access to vaccinations. As GlobalMedic founder Rahul Singh says: “None of us is safe, until all of us are safe”. Based on this belief, we are proud to have provided critical infrastructure tents for the CCRIHC clinic to operate out of in all seasons, as well as volunteer bodies each shift to increase vaccination capacity. Our volunteers also distribute hand sanitizer, masks, hygiene kits, and pantry-staple food items to those who attend the clinic.

As an intern with GlobalMedic, I had the opportunity to witness the work of our volunteers at many of these vaccination sites. I quickly realized that while our involvement was clearly supporting the logistic operations of these clinics, we were also making personal connections with the local community, and growing as people and an organization. I had the opportunity to sit down with Marty Bromley, a veteran GlobalMedic volunteer acting as a site lead for a number of the vaccination clinics, and it was abundantly clear how passionate he was about his work at the clinics. While Marty shared stories of overcoming obstacles such as power failures and floods at the clinics, he also shared a story that exemplifies what it means to be a volunteer with this organization. Upon learning that an elderly woman who had just received her vaccine could not afford a taxi home, a kindhearted volunteer offered to push the woman home in a wheelchair, as she insisted it was “just down the road”. After navigating more than half a kilometre through busy intersections and heavy traffic, the volunteer delivered the incredibly thankful woman to her home, and learned that “just down the road” means very different things to different people. This is only one of the many remarkable feats our volunteers have accomplished during their time at these clinics, and it demonstrates how meaningful their involvement truly is.

GlobalMedic Team Leads Marty Bromley and Rob McNamara at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic

In a conversation with Rob McNamara, another veteran GlobalMedic volunteer now acting as a site lead for the CCRIHC clinic, he shared his love for the camaraderie that had developed between the volunteers and clinic staff. As the healthcare professionals at the clinic are also volunteers, he valued that everyone at the site was truly there to make a difference for these vulnerable populations and to ensure these communities did not fall through the cracks. Rob even mentioned that Libby, the clinic’s manager, often cooked traditional Filipino food for all the volunteers to share.

When asked about their favourite part of working at the clinics, both Rob and Marty said the same thing – having the opportunity to work alongside wonderful volunteers. Rob said, “They are talented and dedicated. We also have a lot of fun while making a difference in this fight against COVID-19”. Marty echoed this sentiment emphasizing how proud and honoured he was to work with these volunteers: “They are amazing people who care and have stepped up to help knock out this pandemic”.

From my own time at the clinics, I can say that it’s clear our volunteers truly care. I can’t count the number of genuine connections I watched GlobalMedic volunteers make in the course of one day. It was inspiring. While working at the clinics, I realized how many types of people exist in every community across the GTA. From different ethnic backgrounds, to religions, to sexual orientations, to varied family units, I realized that we can all be so different, and yet many of us are seeking the same things – kindness, empathy, support, and reassurance in these uncertain times. I saw so much excitement and relief from those finally getting their vaccines, and I watched people from all walks of life share in this joy. The hope that came from these vaccine clinics, during a time when many are struggling, lonely, and worried, was incredible to witness.

These experiences are attributable not just to GlobalMedic volunteers, but every healthcare professional, clinic staff member, and person taking the opportunity to get their vaccine. We still have a ways to go until COVID-19 is behind us and equitable protection is afforded to everyone, but each day we are making notable progress. It is with selflessness, empathy, and perseverance that we will get through this pandemic together.