Walking Group Lead – St. John’s, NL
Brittany Farrell, from St. John’s, Newfoundland, has been involved with the CNIB Foundation for longer than she can remember. From volunteering at events to helping around her local office, Brittany is passionate about staying involved with her community.
Last year, Brittany took on an exciting new role; organizing a monthly walking group in St. John’s.
In the summer, the group enjoys walks around several parks in St. John’s, including Bowering Park. During the winter months, participants spend their time walking around the Village Mall, later heading off to the food court for coffee, tea and good conversation.
“It’s a great opportunity to promote physical activity while socializing,” says Brittany.
Many of Brittany’s experiences underscore the importance and the power of simply taking time out of our busy lives to talk with each other.
“One year, I volunteered at a holiday party and I’ll always remember a conversation I had with one participant,” says Brittany. “They didn’t have any family to celebrate the holidays with. After lunch, we started chatting and they held my hand said, ‘thank you for treating me like family. You’ve made me feel like I’m going to have a really good Christmas.’”
For Brittany, volunteering with CNIB is personal.
“I have two aunts who both lost their sight and they’re a big part of why I started volunteering,” she says. “My Aunt Joan has Alzheimer’s and dementia, so when I shared that I was volunteering with CNIB, she cried and told me that she was so happy for me. Whenever I’m volunteering, I think about her, and how happy she is that I’m doing this.”
If Brittany’s story inspires you to consider volunteering for the CNIB Foundation, fill out the application form below.
