Randa Kachkar, '86 BA
Randa Kachkar, '86 BA, is passionate about paying it forward, both at the University of Alberta and in the community. She not only works on campus but also volunteers in a variety of campus activities, including mentoring students during Job Shadow Week, sitting on university committees, assisting with alumni events or taking part in a Habitat for Humanity build. Her exuberance and outgoing nature make her a natural ambassador for U of A alumni.
Tell us how you stay connected to campus through volunteerism.
I try to volunteer for a whole spectrum of experiences so I can meet different people and do various things. That is what keeps life interesting. For example, I worked on a Habitat for Humanity build a few years ago and that was a whole different experience than working at the Cabane à Sucre event. I learned different things and interacted with different people.
Why do you think it's important for grads to volunteer their time?
Society is moving to a volunteer-based model to support the community. Government cutbacks, institutional restructuring and a myriad of other factors have forced society to look to itself for supporting and mentoring within the community. I feel we are privileged to have access to an education and we owe it to our future generations to give back, in whatever way we can, in order to create and maintain a sustainable community framework. As alumni, we are fortunate to have an engaged Alumni Association through which giving is co-ordinated and volunteer opportunities are made available to us. It gives us a place to start if we are looking at giving back for what we have received.
Do you volunteer for other organizations? Where?
I have always volunteered in one way or another, starting in the days of Universiade in 1983. Right now, I volunteer on a few committees at the U of A and sit on APO council. I also volunteer for my grandson's hockey association. Mostly, I give of my time through the Alumni Association because it offers me a variety of experiences, both on and off campus, and I can pick and choose based on the time I have available. Who doesn't love the Cabane à Sucre or the Easter Eggstravaganza? It's so much fun to see happy faces of all ages.
What does volunteering mean to you?
I feel that I should have at least one place I am donating of my time at any given time. Don't get me wrong: it's not like I have a whole pile of time to give away, but if each of us gave of our time to just one thing, imagine the possibilities of what we can achieve. It certainly is better than sitting around a coffee table complaining about this and that. As a bonus, I have met many wonderful people along the way and have seen things I may not otherwise have seen.
What impact has volunteering had on you? On others?
Some people ask me how I fit it into my time because I am so busy. I have a full-time job, sit on the board of a publicly traded company, take my grandson to hockey and still make time for volunteering and for getting together with my friends. You have to make time. You have to prioritize your schedule and say each month, "OK, where do I want to make a difference today?" Life is not easy, but we are privileged to have what we have and we can't lose sight of how we can help others.
Share a story or a memory from your time volunteering.
I have two very vivid memories that stand out. The first: My son was about 14 and I took him to volunteer at a women's shelter. He was charged with helping pack Christmas hampers. I stood back and watched him organize the group and what went where, and I recall him saying that each package had to be equal so everyone was happy. I was so proud at that moment that I had succeeded in teaching my son the concepts of giving and fairness. The other really great experience was Universiade. I was the guide and host for the Jordanian volleyball and basketball teams. I remember one outing when I took them shopping and to see the sights - all on public transit. Where else can a girl have 30 men follow her around so eagerly, all wanting to shop? I still talk about that day with my friends.
On average, how many hours per month do you volunteer?
On average, I would say I spend about eight to 10 hours a month giving of my time. I would like to give more but life happens!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Get out there and give! If each of us gave even one hour a week, imagine the difference we would make in someone's life. In Ontario, a high school diploma is only granted after a student has fulfilled at least 40 hours of volunteer time no matter what their marks are. I think this requirement should be universal. That is something every education should include - giving of oneself.