February Volunteer of the Month: Nicki R.

Congratulations to our super awesome volunteer of the month for February, Nicki R!

She is a huge animal lover, which probably results from being raised on a couple of acres in Cloverdale with dogs, cats, goats and miniature horses as her main childhood playmates. She has been a student at KPU for the last five years and is nearing the completion of her BA in criminology. Throughout her time at university, she has become passionate about prisoner’s rights, and outside of QMUNITY she volunteers with the John Howard Society and the Correctional Service of Canada. When she actually has free time she loves playing board games, hiking, chilling with nature, reading, binge watching TV series, cuddling with pets, and spending time with her Mom and her beagle.

So, Nicki, how did you get involved with QMUNITY?

I started volunteering at QMUNITY in 2014 while taking a service learning course. I wanted to become more connected with the queer community and also work with youth. I chose to volunteer with the youth program, in part, because my own teenage years were extremely rough, and I wanted to be there to listen to and support others who are moving through these, often difficult, years.

And what’s your favourite thing about volunteering with QMUNITY?

Besides playing capture the flag and Werewolf at youth drop-ins?

I love that everyone who walks through the door at QMUNITY can fully and completely be who they are. I think this is especially important for folks attending youth drop-ins.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?

Everyone would realize that we are all human, we all experience pain, and we each have the ability to reduce the amount of pain universally by choosing to be kind and compassionate to each other.

Beach or Mountains, why?

Being from BC I love them both, but if I were forced to choose I would have to say the mountains. I love hiking and snowboarding, and the peacefulness that being in the mountains can offer. Also they are just so breathtakingly beautiful and help keep me grounded.

Interview by Tash McAdam

Nicki, you are an awesome volunteer that we truly appreciate here at QMUNITY! Thank you for all you do to enrich our Youth program and the lives of the folks attending! We’re proud to work with a dedicated volunteer such as you. You’re a star! — Danny