After she arrived in Toronto as a newcomer, Fatemeh began volunteering with our Welcome Group Program– an experience that helped lead to her current position with United Way Greater Toronto!

1. What inspired you to volunteer with Together Project?

“When I came to Canada, I had my sisters and my brother to help me to settle in this new country. From that moment, I was thinking, if I was alone, how would I survive? When I was looking for a job, I went to the website, Volunteer Toronto. So I found a volunteer position there, and they were asking for someone who can welcome newcomers. And I thought, ‘Oh, that’s a good opportunity. I can give back to society and I can help people and build connections.’ So I tried and they accepted me.”

2. What has your volunteer experience been like?  

“Both of them were fantastic and from each, I have great memories. The girl, she came from Afghanistan. She had a dream to be a hairstylist and makeup artist. She was asking me, “Could you be my model? I need someone to work on.” She invited me to her house and she did bride makeup and I wore traditional clothes and it was fantastic experience.

For the second one, I have to tell a story: it was a war back in my country  and I was struggling because of the situation. The girl sent me a message asking me how I am handling. It was a great moment for me because I was supposed to help them, but they offer their support to me, and she was saying, ‘I know that it’s a hard situation because my country went through the same problem and I can resonate with you.’ And it was a great moment for me.”

3. How did volunteering lead to your role at United Way Greater Toronto?

“I was in a networking session and I saw someone from United Way. I reached out and said that I’m really interested in working with United Way and I’m also volunteering with Together Project which is funded by United Way and other organizations. I mentioned that I’m volunteering so I think it was something that stood out and she referred me.

During the interview process, I mentioned that the things I’m doing as a volunteer is related to what United Way is doing, and yeah, finally, I got the job!”