In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 24-30), CPA Alberta wants to recognize the many CPAs who lend their talents and time sharing their expertise and experience with the community and profession. This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is “volunteering is empathy in action, affirms the strong connection between volunteerism and empathy”, and we want to highlight CPA volunteers, like Toks Bakinson CPA, CMA, who embodies this idea.
Making an impact on the lives of others creates a lasting, shared connection. Toks’ connection is forged through her involvement with the Financial Literacy Program. Toks spoke to CPA Canada about her volunteer experience, and we are sharing her comments here.
“I love giving and sharing. I love to volunteer because I find satisfaction in being able to say I helped someone or I made a difference. Volunteering allows me to do something for someone other than myself and allows me to create meaning for others. I love to volunteer because it teaches me something new about the world and its people.
The CPA Canada Financial Literacy program has done just that. It has helped me to combine my love for teaching with my passion for volunteering. All of the Financial Literacy sessions are easy to understand and are very client-focused. They are tailored to meet the needs of any individual from any background and are designed to allow Canadians to have control of their financial destiny, whether they are starting out or retiring. The sessions also make the attendees feel secure and empowered, and allow them to move toward financial freedom and independence.
I even learned a few tips and tricks for myself—such as a disability credit that I was eligible for—while doing research for my presentation. And volunteering in the program has helped me improve my presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills. I have even become better at managing my day-to-day actions, as I want to practice what I teach. Not every professional organization offers programs that empower both the community and the individuals that are delivering the presentation.
I am very proud to wear the CPA badge whenever I am presenting. My designation also serves as an inspirational factor for people looking to advance their education.”
Toks, thank you for representing the CPA badge so well – your involvement is greatly appreciated!
Are you motivated to start making impact?
Volunteer opportunities are available in all communities around the province, at all times of the year. Regardless of your interests and level of commitment, you can find the perfect opportunity for you.
There are easy ways to volunteer with CPA Alberta this spring!
Take part in CPA Alberta’s Blood Drive Challenge. CPA Alberta, in partnership with the Canadian Blood Services, is challenging Alberta CPAs to donate at least 100 units of blood throughout the month of May! Join the Blood Drive Challenge by visiting blood.ca or our LinkedIn event page for more information.
CPA Alberta is hosting Community Impact Days in Banff, Edmonton, and Calgary this June. Spend the day lending your skills and time to a non-profit organization in the province including a Bow Valley Parkway Clean Up and Banff Trail Blitz. For more details and to sign up, visit our Community Impact Days.
If you’re passionate about making a difference within the profession, there are opportunities available too! Visit CPA Alberta’s website to get involved today.
You can also find a wide variety of volunteer opportunities around Alberta geared towards CPAs on CPA Alberta’s Job Board. As well, the CPA Community Ambassadors is a group of volunteer CPAs who work to connect CPAs with organizations looking for volunteers. You can find more information and current volunteer listings at www.communityambassadors.ca.
More general opportunities can also be found at www.volunteerconnector.org.
Regardless of what resource you use, you are sure to find a volunteer position that best suits you!
