Taryn Barry, '07 BA
Taryn Barry, '07 BA, played on the Pandas hockey team from 2002-2007, where her passion for volunteering was fostered by U of A Athletics, who she says always encouraged student athletes to be involved in the community. Taryn's history on campus dates back to when she was still in elementary school, joining her father who worked on campus, to paint the bleachers of Clare Drake Arena - a building that would later become a second home to this athlete, alumna and community advocate.
Where do you volunteer?
I founded the Etisah Foundation, a Collective Giving Fund through Tides Canada, which has the mission of creating socially and civically active individuals by offering opportunities to engage locally while contributing globally. We have run workshops in Edmonton at Strathcona Composite High School and St. Francis Xavier High School on the strengths and challenges of global citizenship. Currently, we are encouraging young people to raise funds to build an orphanage in Limbe, Cameroon.
Why do you volunteer? What does volunteering mean to you?
I actually see volunteering as my hobby. Simply put, it's my passion. And because of that passion, the many hours I volunteer for the Etisah Foundation is fun, engaging, challenging and even exciting. It allows me to connect with all sorts of people on a daily basis; all who are vested in helping one another and improving the world we live in.
What impact has volunteering had on you? On others?
The Etisah Foundation's vision is "creating connections for the common good". Since we are all so interconnected in this world, it makes sense that we look out for one another. Volunteering improves the livelihood of others, but it can also improve your way of life.
What advice would you give to people looking to volunteer?
Be proactive. If you are unsure where to start, research and ask questions. Make sure you participate in something that plays to your strengths and that you find interesting, which will then hopefully lead to intrinsic fulfillment.
Share a story or a memory from your time volunteering.
The most important relationship I have made while volunteering abroad was with a woman named Josephine Ngale, the Director of the Save the Children Alliance Orphanage in Limbe, Cameroon. She is also a UN Peacekeeper in Darfur, Sudan. We met in Limbe while I was working on a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) internship in 2007. I assisted a local NGO that manages a section of coastal lowland rainforest situated just outside Limbe. Children from Josephine's orphanage participated in a variety of educational sessions, including a local-led tour through the rainforest. Over that time Josephine welcomed me into her family and in June 2012 Josephine visited Canada, becoming part of my family. She was the inspiration for starting the Etisah Foundation.
Anything else you would like to add?
The Etisah Foundation is always looking for volunteers. Check out our website at www.etisahfoundation.com or email us at info@etisahfoundation.com for more information.
