Hello! My name is Maddie, I’m 27 years old, and I’ve been volunteering since I was 11. I am about to enter my last year at Memorial doing a degree in English Literature and Classical History, with a Diploma in Ancient Worlds. I work at the Cancer Care Foundation, a registered charity whose mission is to raise funds for cancer care throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Volunteering has always been a big part of who I am. Meeting new people and helping out where I can is something I look forward to every time I volunteer. I currently volunteer regularly at the Canadian Improv Games, Sandbox Gaming, and the Student Volunteer Bureau at MUN, to name a few. In my free time I like to read, watch horror movies, and play card games.

“Linda Hickey is a dedicated advocate for cultural heritage preservation and community engagement. Currently serving as the President of both the Museum Association of NL and the Bell Island Heritage Society, Linda plays a pivotal role in the stewardship of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich cultural legacy. At the helm of the world-class #2 Mine Tour and Museum, she ensures that the historical significance of Bell Island’s mining heritage is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

Linda’s commitment to volunteerism stems from her profound appreciation for her province’s cultural heritage. She believes that volunteering is not only a way to give back to the community but also an avenue for personal growth and enrichment. Through her volunteer initiatives, Linda has the opportunity to connect with remarkable individuals, constantly expand her skill set, and actively contribute to the social fabric of her communities.

As the President of Creative Cultural Experiences, Linda channels her passion for music into creating vibrant events in collaboration with the esteemed musical group, Hamilton Sound. Whether she’s organizing concerts or crafting social media content, Linda’s creative talents shine through, adding a dynamic element to cultural experiences in her region.

Beyond her professional and volunteer endeavors, Linda is also a songwriter and graphic designer. In her spare time, she indulges her love for travel, further enriching her understanding of diverse cultures and traditions.

Linda Hickey’s dedication to volunteerism underscores the importance of community involvement in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Her multifaceted contributions exemplify the transformative power of giving one’s time and expertise to meaningful causes, leaving a lasting impact on both individuals and communities alike.”

“Every moment matters when volunteering -~ it’s about seizing each opportunity to make a difference.”

I always want to serve, and I don’t remember my life without volunteering and caring for others. I want to bring people comfort, joy and try to make a positive difference in their lives.

I am an active volunteer with many organizations, to name a few; NL Health Services – Palliative Care Unit at the Dr. L.A. Miller Center and a member of the Board of Directors with the VOCM Cares Foundation. I also volunteer with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program with my two Shih Tzus; Handsome Hershey and Gorgeous Gladys, we visit Senior Residences, Health Care facilities, Education facilities, various business groups, and we enjoy every other opportunity to share some puppy love.

I am pleased to be a part of so many wonderful organizations and to have the opportunity to help others. Volunteering provides an opportunity for us all to learn new skills, meet people and form relationships that could have a lasting impact on us all.

I hope to volunteer for as long as I can and I also hope to inspire others to volunteer, I believe we all can make a difference in our communities while listening, learning and connecting with people and organizations. For me, it truly is in the giving that I receive.

Sport has been an important part of my life, initially as an athlete, then as a coach and official, and eventually in starting my career. When my professional life took a different path, away from sport, I quickly realized how much I missed the athletic community and especially the people with whom I had made such strong connections. Volunteering, was the perfect fit as it allowed me to maintain these connections and has resulted in my most satisfying involvement in sport.

I am a past board member and President of Sport NL, a member of several Canada Games Team NL Mission staffs, as well as Assistant Chef de Mission for Team NL at the 2022 Games in Ontario and then Chef de Mission for Team NL at the 2023 Canada Games in PEI. I am also Board Chair for the NL Sport Centre which is a Crown Corporation with the mandate to provide training and competition opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador athletes, coaches and officials. Most recently I accepted a volunteer position with the Host Society for the 2025 Canada Summer Games to be held right here in St. John’s and area.

Lastly, although I am recently retired, I maintain my connection to my previous work as a volunteer on the Board of Directors of Safety Services NL.

Volunteering has been so very special in providing me the opportunity to give back to the community in areas for which I still have passion. I would recommend for anyone with an interest and/or passion in a particular area to seek out opportunities to get involved in volunteering. You will not regret it.

My journey as a volunteer has been fueled by personal experience. As an immigrant student, I found myself lonely when I first came to school here in Canada. During the course of my degree, I found the Student Experience Office at my university and decided to volunteer with them. This opened me to various opportunities within the student community and helped me make new friends. This made me recognize the importance of volunteering in fostering a sense of community, and I made it my goal to reach out to continue to volunteer in order to reach out to people who may be in the same position I was, I hope to help people find renewed joy, and let them know that they at least have a friend in me.