Celebrating our Chapter Volunteers: National Volunteer Week – April 19-25
In celebration of #NationalVolunteerWeek, we want to say thank you to all of those who continue to give back in their personal and professional lives.
Volunteers from across the city have come together during this critical time to care for those in need and have truly proven to be the backbone of society when the most is at stake. This week, we thank and salute you along with our healthcare heroes and those working in essential services during this time.
Our Chapter would not be where it is today without the support of our members who have contributed countless volunteer hours and ideas to help us in delivering quality professional development opportunities and education to fundraising professionals and those in the non-profit sector. This week we want to take the time to recognize just a few of you…
Meet our Fundraising Day Committee (Cont’d…read part 1 here)
We are excited to work with our Fundraising Day committee next year to see their ideas come to life & hope that you’ll save the date and join us for Fundraising Day on June 1, 2021.
Laura Leach – Delegate Experience
Laura Leach is the Development Coordinator at The University of Trinity College in the University of Toronto, where she is currently involved with the Living Trinity capital campaign. A dedicated volunteer, Laura has been involved with nearly a dozen organization in the GTA and is incredibly excited to be a part of the Fundraising Day team, helping with Delegate Experience. Laura is a recent graduate of the Humber College Fundraising Management program, and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, University of Trinity College.
What made you become an AFP member?
I became an AFP member while completing my post-grad education at Humber College in Fundraising Management. The choice to pursue membership opportunities was encouraged by a number of professionals who highlighted that being a part of a professional organization allowed them to make connections early on in their careers. I was also encouraged to develop an “all in” mindset as a young professional, and part of that meant I wanted to jump into as many opportunities of professional growth as I could (within reason of course). Joining AFP seemed like an excellent way of connecting with more people and also gaining access to more professional development through webinars and volunteering.
What have you learned in your time volunteering?
I’ve learned that there are so many different paths to take within the field, and getting to hear stories about the paths that others have taken has helped me decide where I want to go.
What words of advice would you give to some who’s new to AFP and/or thinking about volunteering?
I’ve always loved the saying that you get out what you put into something. I would encourage someone thinking about volunteering to figure out what they could put in, what talents they have that could be beneficial to others and find volunteering opportunities that value those gifts. And to then give it their all! Committing to something and seeking out how you could do it better will only help you grow, and if you find a place where you can do some good as well then everybody wins.
Kirstin Ling – Education
As a Principal Gift Manager at TGWHF, Kirstin is the campaign lead for Emergency, Nephrology, Hematology, Otolaryngology, Nursing and Health Professions portfolios. She is currently overseeing the Emergency Department’s campaign to raise $25M at the Toronto General Hospital to transform emergency care by providing a space focused on patient experience to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Kirstin recieved the 2019 New Fundraising Professional Award at Fundraising Day last year and is excited to serve on the committee!
Lindsey Hodgson – Digital Lead
Lindsey Hodgson is committed to building world-class brands that save and change lives. She has 20+ years experience in marketing non-profit organizations including Sinai Health Foundation and SickKids Foundation where she helped shape their brand strategy and create multi-channel, award-winning campaigns. With a focus on storytelling, she is a creative and results-driven leader. She is on a relentless pursuit for the “big ideas,” but nimble enough to take advantage of the small wins as well. This year, her focus on the Fundraising Day Management Team is to bring a digital lens that is shaping the future of the industry.
Klim Khomenko – Education
Klim Khomenko is the Senior Development Manager at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, where he works to increase donor engagement and philanthropic giving at the major gift level.
A values-driven fundraising professional who approaches challenges with positivity and creativity, Klim enjoys connecting philanthropic individuals with opportunities to unlock human potential.
Klim holds an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management with Honours from Humber College, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto. He is currently working towards his accreditation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), serving as Vice Chair for AFP Congress, and is thrilled to be a member of the Fundraising Day management team.
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Stay tuned to learn more about the rest of the committee & a few of our other volunteers this week!
On behalf of all of us at the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter,
THANK YOU! 💖👏👏👏