For Simon Giroux, volunteering is in the blood. He’s been doing it since he was four.
A Grade 12 student at Collège Notre-Dame, Giroux is heavily involved in extra-curricular activities. He’s part of the student-ran “Radio-Étudiante” and “Télé-Alouettes”, and in spite of the pandemic, he has achieved more than 400 hours of community service during his high school years. Proud of his
Francophone heritage, he has devoted time to activities such as Journée des Franco-Ontarien (Franco Ontarian Day), writing articles for the student newspaper “Tapage” and winning the provincial amateur comedy competition LOL-Mort de Rire Desjardins.
But not one to rest on his laurels, he also busies himself as a valuable asset to the sound and technical team for a variety of school activities. Away from school, Giroux works as a volunteer for kids’ camps, and helps with Halloween activities at Science North and Dynamic Earth.
Inspired by watching others give their time, Giroux said meeting other volunteers is inspiring.
“Meeting volunteers has given me the drive to give back to my community. I have seen all the good that volunteering can bring to others, and the fun and fulfillment it brings to my student life.”
Giroux credits volunteerism for his past, present and potential future accomplishments, too.
“Volunteering has given me unique opportunities. I’ve learned hands on skills that I will be able to use throughout my life. I have met new people and developed my social skills. Volunteering has inspired me to go into a career where I can help people.”
And that career is teaching. Giroux has been accepted to the University of Ottawa’s four-year Public Administration program. “This we be followed by two years of teacher’s college,” he added.
Giroux hopes to to teach high school, concentrating on French and history. While in university, he has no plans on giving up his passion.
“As a university student, I plan to be volunteering in my new community,” he said.
When asked what motivates him most, Giroux says, “My parents had a big impact on who I am. They raised me to have the best work ethics and values … they pushed me to toward volunteering for my school and to be involved in my school’s student life and activities. I realized quickly that I thoroughly enjoyed doing volunteer work for my community.”
Simon Giroux’s words of inspiration
“Volunteering brings the best out of people and helps make our community a great place to live, learn and work. It allows us to show kindness towards one another.”
James Stewart is a writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
