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Sarah Lust, Thanks for Doing Some Good!

What first inspired you to volunteer?


I was first inspired to volunteer during a Not-for-profit Marketing class I was taking in University. I did an applied studies volunteer term with the Canadian Cancer Society SIR. I was hooked! Instead of completing the 4 month required volunteer position, I ended up volunteering with them for 4 years.

Which cause are you most passionate about and why?


Recently I did an international voluntunteer build with Habitat for Humanity in Indonesia. It was, without a doubt, the most rewarding and fulfilling experience of my life. Here in North America, things like having clean water and a roof over our heads are often taken for granted. I have been very fortunate to be dealt a good hand in life and felt a sense of obligation to help those in more difficult circumstances. I am very passionate about economic development, community building and social enterprise. I have an interest in sustainable and afforable housing and supporting the fight to end homelessness. Joining a Global Village Team tied in perfectly to my personal/professional interests. Essentially, it stemmed from the desire to travel with Purpose. Since then, I have looked for opportunity locally and had my colleagues from the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce join me at a local Habitat for Humanity Okanagan build in Penticton.


Which organization do you most commonly volunteer for?


As mentioned above, I recently started seeking out opportunities to volunteer locally with Habitat for Humanity Okanagan. I was amazed to hear about all of the great work they do on a local level all throughout the Okanagan. It was so intersting to see the differences in how the organization operates from Indonesia to Canada. I hope to continue my volunteerism with Habitat both locally and internationally. Vernon is next on my radar on a local level and Thailand for my next international build!

What does a typical volunteer shift look like for this organization?


When the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce staff went out to build at the Penticton site, we began our day at 9:00am. Habitat for Humanity Okanagan gave us an informative orientation briefing us on the safety guidelines as well as an overview of the family we were building for. The really cool thing was that we had the soon-to-be owner building alongside us for the day! It was near the end of a 5 month long build so we spent most of the day painting the interior. Things were a little bit different in Indonesia; we built an entire house in nearly 12 days!


What impact have you seen volunteers make in the community?


I cannot begin to express the impact I've seen Habitat for Humanity make on our community and abroad. I have just begun my volunteerism with Habitat and cannot say enough great things about this organization. Before I became involved with Habitat, I read somewhere that they have one of the highest retention rates for volunteers and I can absolutely see why. You get to see first-hand the impact you are making by working with the families you are building a future for.

What is the most memorable moment or experience you've had while volunteering?


The most memorable moment I had volunteering was in Indonesia with Habitat for Humanity. Ten of us came from across Canada to build a home for a family living in poverty. We had expected it to be the ten of us and a few Habitat staff from Indonsiea working on the house for the 2 weeks we were there. However, throughout the two weeks, it seemed like the entire village at one point or another was there helping us build the home for their neighbour. The best moment was when we had a volleyball tournament in the village after the build was complete. It was team Canada vs. team Japan (another group building in the same village) vs. the villagers. Even though we all spoke a different language, we had an absolute blast together! We had the entire village there cheering us on.


What support does your organization currently need, and how can people learn more or get involved?


The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has a variety of volunteer committees including:
- Local issues
- Young People in Business
- Women's Leadership Network
- Ambassadors
- Provincial & Federal Policy Committee

All of these committees play an important role in supporting Kelowna's business vitality.


Is there anyone else you would like to recognize that has helped support you to make a difference?


I'd like to recongize my fellow Kelowna Chamber of Commerce collegues for supporting Habitat for Humanity Okanagan
I'd also like to recognize everyone who supported my fundraising efforts for my Indonesia Habitat build! These donations went towards purchasing the materials needed for the home and these projects could not happen without you!
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