Découverte et apprentissage

It was a weekend full of exciting volunteering activity for the JDRF Charity. JDRF is the foremost organization who helps with finding and help cure Diabetes by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact patients and caregivers. JDRF helps educate and empower individuals facing Diabetic conditions. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to mistakenly destroy insulin producing beta cells. This can lead to deadly pancreas failure. It is perceived as having a quick onset. Members of my extended family were victims of Type 1 diabetes. As a child I have seen my uncles and aunties suffer from this deadly disease. The most painful was to see our cousin sister silently suffer. Every summer vacation, we would be re-told of how to play with her or what not to eat with her. Did you know, 300,000 Canadians have Type 1 Diabetes and it is growing by 4.4% per year! Together, we can find a long lasting cure for Type 1 Diabetes . RBC is a huge supporter of JDRF research. In Fort McMurray, our community is a small but mighty team for Charity donations nationally! As humble attempt, we have decided that we will be doing a 50/50 draw to help raise some funds for this foundation. Thanks to the three RBC Branches in Fort McMurray who poured in their support. Then I went door to door for a bottle drive . I am ever so thankful specially to Tany Yao, MLA for Fort McMurray-Woodbuffalo to donate empties and lead by example.

My first volunteering started at the age of 8. My parents took me with them volunteering for at Nirmala Shishu Bhavan at Calcutta ( now Kolkata) in India. Mother Teresa, the Noble winner for peace started the orphanage alone. It still works based entirely on volunteering. I remember working side by side with Mother Teresa, and my dad, doing janitorial work at the Orphanage. After the couple of hours of volunteering, my mother brought some authentic home cooked desserts for all the volunteers. At the end of every shift that us sisters volunteered, Mother Teresa would then fold her hands for prayer, bow down and thank us profusely. She would then bless us placing her soft palm on our head, saying " may god bless you always and show you the path to help people in need". That prayer and blessing still rings in my ears. When I am not working, I enjoy volunteering. I had a wonderful experience to attend the Volunteer Fest arranged by fuesocial , Northstar Ford Woodbuffalo Volunteer Center. It was a humble experience to see community members who dedicate their life serving people in need without any expectation. I am ever so grateful to be a part of the Volunteer Community in Fort McMurray.

While rest of the city was reeling with joy of the great win of Edmonton Oilers, I braved 30 Degree Celcius after packed day at work and volunteered for the Pride event at the Fort McMurray Shipyard. Thanks to my colleague Kevin, I was introduced to Ella Lamoureux the 2-spirit Kelowna Drag Queen. Her aura, definitely is enigmatic! I was like a little girl asking for an autograph from Ella! Starting with a dinner at a local eatery last week, it was a week of various festivities. I am proud to be a part of RBC, supporting diversity and inclusion in our community of Fort MCMurray.

Je vous souhaite une bonne et heureuse Saint-Jean en famille et entre amis.

RBC vous souhaite, ainsi qu’à vos proches, une excellente fête des Pères !

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Father's Day from RBC!

RBC vous souhaite, à vous et à vos proches, un joyeux long week-end en toute sécurité.