Born and raised in Langley, Brayden Griffiths moved to the Okanagan in 2022 to start medical school at UBCO and he is already making a difference to our community through his fulfilling volunteer work.

91裸聊视频淢y journey into volunteering began with a genuine passion for working with children and contributing to the community,91裸聊视频� says Brayden. 91裸聊视频淢y interest in healthcare and pediatrics led me to explore opportunities aligned with these goals. Discovering the Reading Bear Society and its mission to promote early literacy and healthy living in children through intergenerational mentorship resonated strongly with my aspirations.91裸聊视频�

Brayden is co-chair of the Kelowna Chapter of the Reading Bear Society, whose overarching mission and vision is promoting early literacy and healthy living in children through intergenerational mentorship. The program strengthens empathy and compassion and its motto 91裸聊视频淓ducating the Heart-Mind,91裸聊视频� reflects the organization91裸聊视频檚 commitment to fostering both emotional and intellectual growth in children.

Brayden is particularly excited about the 91裸聊视频淎 Visit to Dr. Bear91裸聊视频� program which allows children to explore healthy living through facts, story time, and play. The interactive stories have medical students use teddy bears to demonstrate common procedures that children might experience at a doctor91裸聊视频檚 office.

91裸聊视频淚 was drawn to the idea of using the program 91裸聊视频淎 Visit to Dr. Bear91裸聊视频� as a creative and educational way to introduce children to the concept of visiting the doctor and maintaining a healthy lifestyle,91裸聊视频� explains Brayden. 91裸聊视频淎s the co-chair of the Kelowna chapter, my role involves overseeing the local implementation of the program, coordinating volunteers, and working towards achieving the organization91裸聊视频檚 mission within our community.91裸聊视频�

The project was founded by Dr. Joanne Roussy, President of the provincial Reading Bear Society. Her belief that every child has equal value and that nurturing in early childhood is the foundation for overall life health is core to the program, emphasizing the importance of early literacy and support for vulnerable families.

91裸聊视频淥ne key aspect worth highlighting is the program91裸聊视频檚 multidisciplinary and interprofessional approach, bringing together volunteers with diverse backgrounds, including physicians, medical students, educators, academics, and community members,91裸聊视频� adds Brayden. 91裸聊视频淭his collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing the needs of children and families in the Kelowna area.91裸聊视频�

Volunteering is a source of inspiration and purpose for Brayden, and he isn91裸聊视频檛 new to giving back to community in this way. He has also volunteered with the Langley Pos-Abilities Society, serving as Vice-President and Director of Volunteers, and as a volleyball coach and as a clinical researcher.

91裸聊视频淰olunteering holds deep significance for interconnected reasons,91裸聊视频� explains Brayden. 91裸聊视频淔irstly, I am motivated by a genuine passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others, particularly children. Contributing to community well-being aligns with my personal values and provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淪econdly, my desire to pursue a career in pediatric medicine fuels my commitment to volunteering. Working with children through initiatives like 91裸聊视频淎 Visit to Dr. Bear91裸聊视频� program enables me to gain valuable insights into the unique needs and challenges of young individuals,91裸聊视频� adds Brayden. 91裸聊视频淭his hands-on experience complements my academic studies and strengthens my understanding of the holistic aspects of healthcare.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淎nd thirdly, volunteering offers a platform for continuous learning and skill development,91裸聊视频� concludes Brayden. 91裸聊视频淲hether it91裸聊视频檚 leadership, communication, or organizational skills, each volunteer role provides an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.91裸聊视频�

The sense of community and connection that volunteering fosters is a powerful motivator for Brayden. For him, working alongside like-minded individuals who share a commitment to positive change creates a supportive and collaborative environment. The resulting network enhances the effectiveness of the initiatives undertaken and truly builds community.

What is your motivator? Can volunteering help connect you to 91裸聊视频測our people91裸聊视频�? Find out by searching for your volunteer opportunity at www.volunteerconnector.org or contact us at www.kcr.ca.

Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources. Call 250-763-8008, ext. 254 or email dorothee@kcr.ca.