Volunteer Matters, Vol I Ed I, 2023

Don Monsour
Volunteer Champion!
We recently chatted with
84-year-old Volunteer
Champion Don Monsour, for
a fascinating look back at his volunteer
journey. Find out how he got started,
advice he has for both volunteers and
volunteer managers, and how he has
time to still sit on fifteen boards!
How did you get started in
volunteering?
We fostered girls at our home. We
had four teenage, troubled individuals
who needed a home and tender care.
What is your greatest achievement
in volunteering?
Helping to raise over two million
dollars for numerous non-profit charitable
societies, as well as helping many
people with mental health issues.
Do you have any special memories
while volunteering?
Thats a good question. I have so
many!
When I was volunteering with the
Canadian Tourism Commission, I went
to India to promote tourism in Canada.
At an event I was attending a local
Indian dance competition, and I was
invited on stage to present the winners
a trophy. As a way of thanking me
they placed a flower garland around
my neck and took me on a tour of their
village. I was followed all afternoon by
groups of people all wanting to touch
the garland and they called me Don ji.
For the rest of the stay that became my
name!
Do you have any advice for new
volunteers. Is there anything you
wish new volunteers knew?
Do you want to make a difference?
Are you looking for a way to contribute
to your community in a valuable way?
You can make a change through volunteering!
I find volunteering is one of
the most rewarding projects you can
be involved in. It takes a little of your
time to help to improve so many other
people’s lives, and the satisfaction you
receive back is tenfold.
How about new volunteer managers?
Do you have any advice for them?
Volunteer management requires
taking on many different roles and responsibilities.
It includes fundraising,
human resources, event management,
and community leadership just to
name a few. Use those learnings from
other sectors and your previous experience
in the work you will be doing.
Doing so will help you improve your
own skills and those of others in your
day-to-day life.
What qualities make a good
volunteer manager?
A good volunteer manager should be
good at leadership and communication.
They should set good examples for others
to follow. They need to know when
to lead and when to delegate actions
and responsibilities to their board
members. They need to show appreciation
and respect to board members
and staff. It is very important for them
to appreciate the time and effort of
the volunteers they work with day in,
and day out, which have contributed
towards the success of their organization.
A good volunteer manager should
hold at least one volunteer recognition
day every year.
12 Volunteer Matters 2023