When Madeeha Khan immigrated to Canada from Pakistan in 2022, it was with a goal of using her skills and expertise to help others.

The pharmacist, speech language pathologist, and private biology, chemistry and physical education coach says she had developed unique ways of making learning fun – and was excited to come across a volunteer opportunity with Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) on social media.

“I thought it would be a good way to utilize my professional skills and gain new ones, especially since navigating a new city as an immigrant can be challenging,” Madeeha said.

“[I also did it to] enhance my skills and to help others while also contributing to the community.”

About 125 volunteer hours later, Madeeha has served as program facilitator in the Conversation Circle activity, where she helped newcomers to improve their English conversational skills; in interpretation and translation support to clients; and in client coaching and collaboration sessions.

She has also supported reception and childminding areas, responded to client inquiries, assisted with citizenship and other applications, and participated in skills development workshops offered by ISC, such as De-Escalation Crisis Training and Gateway LMS Training.

And volunteering, Madeeha says, have given her a sense of satisfaction that comes from helping others and meeting people.

“Volunteering provides an opportunity to give your expertise to the community, make a difference in people's lives, develop new skills, meet new people, and gain a sense of fulfillment and purpose,” she said.

“[It] can also be a way to explore different interests and passions, and it can be an excellent way to gain experience. I learned a lot of things from volunteering at ISC.”