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Wellness Blog

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Volunteer Profile: Cam Gordon

It’s nearing the end of National Volunteer Week (2020) but we are still interviewing some of our amazing Carizon volunteers who donate their time and talent to our community.

Today, we have the opportunity to talk to Cam Gordon:

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  Retired 4 years ago.  Spent 23 years in Computer Software, managing, testing, project manager.  Worked for BlackBerry and other software companies in Waterloo.  Prior to that was in Logistics with Maple Leaf Foods for 13 years in Toronto.  Graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1980.  Very happily married to Ann and love to travel 
What is your volunteer/student role?  Provide tutoring to the High School students who participate in the Pathways program 
How long have you been with Carizon?  Almost 4 years 
Why did you choose Carizon?  Saw an ad in the local paper and was impressed with the staff that I met 
What do you enjoy most about working with us?  Excellent staff.  The Student Support Workers are outstanding.  So is the Volunteer Coordinator.  Very personable and quite competent in their jobs.  And they are very good with the student participants as well 
Tell us about some of the skills you’ve been able to use and/or develop.  Teaching ESL skills, presentation skills, and general communication skills.  All of the students I work with have English as a second language and this does require a lot of trust and very clear communication.  Developing working relationships is really important to help them 
What would you tell someone who was considering volunteering or doing their student placement with us?   One on one education is essential and if you want to make a difference to new Canadians and help them adjust to life here, Pathways is the program for you!  And it is a lot of fun! 

Thank you, Cam! You are integral to the success of our program and our students!

If you’re interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with Carizon, please visit our Volunteer Page.