JUNE 2016 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT – Colin Szopa

Give A Mile is a group of volunteers who believe strongly in the power of providing people in palliative or critical condition, who are in need, more time with the ones they love.

Each quarter we profile one of the wonderful people that makes this all happen.

 

Volunteer Spotlight – Colin Szopa

Colin Szopa is one of Give A Mile’s most active volunteers and influencers. He began working with Give A Mile in 2014, not long after it was founded. Colin works on a number of GAM initiatives including:

 

  • Website development & digital strategy
  • GAM Community management
  • Event development & management
  • Corporate sponsorship
  • Volunteer recruitment
  • Regular Volunteer Contribution at GAM events
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How did you get involved with Give A Mile?

“I came across the founder of Give A Mile, Kevin Crowe, at a Start-Up Launch Party event shortly after GAM was founded. The GAM team had set up a booth at the event and were educating the Calgary start-up community on their vision and progress so far.”

 

Why were you originally interested in GAM?

“Having been involved in small companies and start-ups my entire career, I was extremely intrigued by a not-for-profit start-up in its early stages with so much potential to impact the world. What really hit home for me was the stories of the families Give A Mile was helping. Having lost my Father due to cancer less than two years before discovering GAM, I had a strong understanding for how important closure is in these unfortunate situations, for anyone. Give A Mile has the unique ability to provide the necessary closure for families and I wanted to find any way I could to help out.

I have always been a firm believer of ABZ career planning and recognized that getting involved with Give A Mile could provide the career growth opportunities I was looking for, in addition to giving back to those in need. In the year and a half I have been involved with GAM, I have been fortunate enough to learn and practice many of my new career skills I was looking for further experience in, while helping to grow an incredible organization that creates a tangible impact on people around the world.”

 

What keeps you interested today?

“The exciting thing about Give A Mile is we are just getting started. Every time our donors and volunteers help to make one flight happen and bring a family together during difficult times, it creates a ripple effect on our growing brand and awareness – the result is we end up helping out even more families. I have a passion for building ideas that would not exist tomorrow if not for the efforts today, while impacting as many lives along the way as possible; Give A Mile is a phenomenal organization to fulfill that passion and it’s really exciting that we are just getting started.

GAM operates as a very grass root start-up where no idea is a bad idea. You can come in to our organization as a volunteer and be welcomed with open arms, meet new friends, be inspired to bring new ideas to the table and feel empowered to take your ideas and run with them – you’ll probably even get help along the way!”

 

Any advice for potential volunteers?

“Take the time to reflect on what you’d like to get out of this opportunity, even if that means exploring a new skill set. Give A Mile is an incredible vehicle to help you grow, while giving you the opportunity to help so many people around the world.”

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Are you interested in getting involved? If so, we’d like to hear from you. Please contact us at [email protected].

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