10 questions with Sophear Net  

Summary:  Regardless of the state of the economy or the next evolution in society, we must always remain true to our hearts and find compassion for others. Changes are evident from globalization, but it is not just a business affair, it’s about building relationships all over the world in all types of manner. Our generation will only learn to work better and stronger together by building a community where efforts are focused in the volunteer sector. A better life for someone else means living together in a better world.

1. Where do you work? What do you do?
   OES, Inc., London, ON
   Electrical Engineering in Research & Development

2. How long have you lived in London?
   Since my family landed in Canada summer of 1986, so that would be about 23 years ago – and I’ve never found another city to live in like London.

3. What is your involvement with fundraising and/or volunteering?
   I am a firm believer in active learning and engage in many literacy fundraising events throughout the city with the London Public Library. This will be my second year as a R.E.A.D. Mentor where I work with young kids to develop their literacy skills and excite them with the possibilities that come from books. I am also looking forward to my second year as an Adult Guider with the Girl Guides of Canada interacting with new girls and empowering young women to be comfortable and confident with who they are and where they can go with volunteerism. I tend to do random acts of kindness that don’t require much thought, but it really is the thought that counts - just the reason behind donating 13 inches of my hair to the Canadian Cancer Society through the Pantene Pro-V campaign. It begins with a kind notion and ends with positive motion, just my way of putting action to work in our community.

4. Why are volunteerism and philanthropy important to our generation?
   Active volunteerism and informed social responsibility is important to our generation because regardless of the state of the economy or the next evolution in society, we must always remain true to our hearts and find compassion for others. Changes are evident from globalization, but it is not just a business affair, it’s about building relationships all over the world in all types of manner. Our generation will only learn to work better and stronger together by building a community where efforts are focused in the volunteer sector. A better life for someone else means living together in a better world.

5. You have $20 to your name. How do you spend it?
   On a lottery ticket!

6. What would you like to see from GenNext in the next 2 years?
   Programs that make it easier for first time volunteers to match up their interests and skills to work in the community. A website with blogging that helps share experiences from others and acts as a social hub for volunteers and program administrators to offer or seek services for the community. Offer useful and fun tips on how to run a successful fundraising campaign, whether it is a book drive or clothing donation or even cleaning up the neighbourhood event, there should be kit lists for those interested in doing something but uncertain how to begin and where to start. Post current news updating our generation on what’s going on with the volunteer sector in our community and honour participants in an evening of recognition through a community social meeting.

7. Do you feel our community does enough to involve our generation? Would you have suggestions to change this?
   Our community offers a variety of programs, not all are targeted to our specific generation but then again, the onus is always on the individual. Since I have become involved, I’ve only found more ways to get involved. My volunteering efforts were mostly through shared experiences with someone I know and making new opportunities count by finding my volunteer niche. The motivation was to find a way to directly help others that would translate my time and efforts into something that has meaning to me and those that I have formed relationships with. The best way to learn about something or someone is through shared knowledge so it’s important that we bring attention to the humanity side of volunteering, we need more stories about real people doing real things to help others.

8. What is the best movie you’ve seen recently?
   G.I. Joe (it was the latest one and the premise behind it was interesting since it brought attention to many social issues).

9. What country or city do you most want to visit? Why?
   It would have to be Indonesia because it is very exotic being rich in culture and tradition. It helps to have islands surrounded by beautiful water and magnificent temples that are still yet to be crowded by tourists. I plan to do a trip and tour Southeast Asia sometime, when there is a break from work and if I’m really lucky, my next volunteer experience may lead me there.

10. If you were living on the streets, would you rather have food or shelter for the night?
    Shelter for the night.