Volunteer Testimonials

CHIMO volunteers not only contribute to their community by assisting those in need, they also receive a great deal in return. From making new friends to learning new skills to recognizing that their contribution is making a difference, the testimonials below illustrate the benefits of volunteering.

Name: Clive
Age: 54
Occupation: Marine Technical Inspector
Role(s) at CHIMO: Crisis Lines volunteer
“Volunteering with CHIMO provides the opportunity to develop skills in something totally unrelated to my background…The experience I have gained has allowed me to enhance my skills in listening, in being empathetic, and in providing a non-judgemental ear. This experience has helped me in stressful situations: work-related, personal, and on the lines where, with some of the more difficult crisis-related calls, I believe I am better able to remain calm and focused…To be associated with so many wonderful volunteers, sharing a common desire to reach out and help, provides me with a great sense of belonging…I believe the experience gained through training, and the initial volunteer commitment, provides valuable, lasting skills which can be applied throughout many aspects of personal and business life.”

Name: Ian
Age: 23
Occupation: Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapist, Aspiring Medical Student
Role(s) at CHIMO: Crisis Lines Volunteer and Coach, Community Education Support Worker
“At CHIMO, volunteering has been challenging and stimulating as new scenarios are constantly encountered, keeping it fresh and interesting. Receiving a thank you after helping someone through a crisis is a rewarding feeling. I have been able to take on roles with increasing responsibilities, such as a coach and role player involved first-hand in the training of new volunteers.”

“Volunteering at CHIMO also led to employment in the Community Education Program… It was a very positive experience working with the staff at CHIMO and helped to better prepare me for future roles in community-oriented fields of work.”

Name: Margret
Age: 65
Occupation: Retiree
Role(s) at CHIMO: Volunteer Presenter for Community Education
I retired from a long and satisfying career in community mental health. Both new experiences and continuing to use valuable skills are important to me. Being a volunteer presenter for Suicide Awareness fits the bill perfectly! My grandchildren are just entering their teens. The opportunity to interact with students in the classroom allows me to be much more in tune with the pressures they face.”

Name: Susie
Age: 37
Role(s) at CHIMO: Outreach Advocate
“It took me 10 years to decide to be a volunteer. Now I am wondering why I didn’t do it sooner. It had always been my intention to be a volunteer…but what can I say? Life got in the way. If only I knew then what I know now. In the short time that I have been a volunteer with CHIMO, many doors have opened for me. I got recognition where none was given me before. It has given me a lot of professional choices. I owe my fabulous new career with a major corporation to CHIMO. Being a volunteer has taught me skills that I am applying on the job everyday. More importantly though, it has taught me to appreciate everything and everyone I have in my own life. I used to be selfish, and perhaps pitied myself because I had my own personal struggles to deal with. However, walking hand in hand with people who have faced their trials alone, has shown me how lucky I am to have my family and my friends to support me when I need them. I have met many people who have felt that their life was hopeless, until they came to CHIMO… I have seen defeated eyes get the light back in them, when they see that all is not lost. The Outreach and Advocacy Service taught me how to help empower people to gain control of their lives. In actuality, it also taught me to empower myself and to straighten my own life. Being a volunteer and helping people through crisis has truly been a rewarding and humbling experience for me. If only I had started volunteering 10 years ago, then I would’ve learned so much sooner…all that I know now.”

Name: Anna
Age: 28
Occupation: Student
Role(s) at CHIMO: Crisis Lines Volunteer and Coach, Women’s Support Worker
“I’ve had a great time at CHIMO since I started in November 2006. I am a student at UBC and my shifts at CHIMO have fit in well with my class schedule. The experience I’ve gained on the Crisis Line will be useful for my application to the MA in Counselling Psychology at UBC. I appreciate doing something where that I can enjoy myself and make a difference at the same time. Not only have my listening skills with friends and family benefited from my training at CHIMO, I have also had a number of new opportunities within the organization to try on different roles. And I have met many wonderful people! Overall, I feel that I’ve benefited greatly from my experiences at CHIMO. I am so glad that I became a CHIMO volunteer!”

Read on for more testimonials…

From Community Education Volunteers

“Being a volunteer presenter for CHIMO was an awesome experience. It made me step out of my comfort zone, which was good. The kids were great!”

“The CHIMO experience is one that will stick with me forever. Developing the youth of Richmond is a cause that everyone will benefit from.”

“My experience with CHIMO’s Community Education program provided me with indispensable skills: leadership, teamwork, respect and communication. I am proud to have been a part of CHIMO!”

“This was an amazing experience. I loved working with the kids, and I learned a lot of new things while I was teaching. Thank you so much for all your help.”

“CHIMO was a great experience for me especially because I have a fear of public speaking. This experience made me feel a lot better about public speaking and the kids were great!”

“CHIMO showed me how to teach younger students about social responsibility. A very uplifting experience! It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking. I have also learned more about myself. Gaining leadership skills was especially valuable because my goal is to become a teacher!”

From Crisis Lines Volunteers

“I expected to learn a lot from volunteering at CHIMO, but I have achieved much more! I wanted real life experience with mental health patients and to learn how to deal with emotional crisis. The training program was fantastic. I learned not only about mental health, crisis, empathy, but also a lot about myself.”

“I wanted to do something that really made a difference – many people who call us are so grateful after talking for a while – it’s great!”

“What I gained is the exposure and chance to learn from all kinds of people”

“It really helps to put things into perspective and be thankful for what you have – and how you can use yourself to help others feel a little better.”

“Being a crisis lines volunteer gave me a sense of self-awareness”

“I never knew I could help someone so much just form listening to them.”

“What did I not expect from volunteer at CHIMO? Education – I use the techniques nearly everyday at home and at work as a nurse.”

“Best volunteer experience I’ve had!”

From Outreach & Advocacy Volunteers

“I am applying to law school and the outreach program has given me valuable insight into many legal issues which come up in the community. I also have a great sense of accomplishment.”

“I have learned how to deal with people in crisis. I have also learned about multiple resources available from the ministries and in the community, which was unexpected but very valuable.”

“The training was wonderful and the staff at CHIMO have been extremely helpful and supportive…I have met many wonderful people at CHIMO, both volunteers and clients.”

“The Outreach and Advocacy program works!!!”