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.

害羞草研究所淢y journey into volunteering began with a genuine passion for working with children and contributing to the community,害羞草研究所� says Brayden. 害羞草研究所淢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.害羞草研究所�

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 害羞草研究所淓ducating the Heart-Mind,害羞草研究所� reflects the organization害羞草研究所檚 commitment to fostering both emotional and intellectual growth in children.

Brayden is particularly excited about the 害羞草研究所淎 Visit to Dr. Bear害羞草研究所� 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 doctor害羞草研究所檚 office.

害羞草研究所淚 was drawn to the idea of using the program 害羞草研究所淎 Visit to Dr. Bear害羞草研究所� as a creative and educational way to introduce children to the concept of visiting the doctor and maintaining a healthy lifestyle,害羞草研究所� explains Brayden. 害羞草研究所淎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 organization害羞草研究所檚 mission within our community.害羞草研究所�

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.

害羞草研究所淥ne key aspect worth highlighting is the program害羞草研究所檚 multidisciplinary and interprofessional approach, bringing together volunteers with diverse backgrounds, including physicians, medical students, educators, academics, and community members,害羞草研究所� adds Brayden. 害羞草研究所淭his collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing the needs of children and families in the Kelowna area.害羞草研究所�

Volunteering is a source of inspiration and purpose for Brayden, and he isn害羞草研究所檛 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.

害羞草研究所淰olunteering holds deep significance for interconnected reasons,害羞草研究所� explains Brayden. 害羞草研究所淔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.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淪econdly, my desire to pursue a career in pediatric medicine fuels my commitment to volunteering. Working with children through initiatives like 害羞草研究所淎 Visit to Dr. Bear害羞草研究所� program enables me to gain valuable insights into the unique needs and challenges of young individuals,害羞草研究所� adds Brayden. 害羞草研究所淭his hands-on experience complements my academic studies and strengthens my understanding of the holistic aspects of healthcare.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淎nd thirdly, volunteering offers a platform for continuous learning and skill development,害羞草研究所� concludes Brayden. 害羞草研究所淲hether it害羞草研究所檚 leadership, communication, or organizational skills, each volunteer role provides an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.害羞草研究所�

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 害羞草研究所測our people害羞草研究所�? 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.