Yasmin Rajwani has volunteered with Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) for years. She started as a fundraiser for World Partnership Walk in British Columbia, and quickly moved up to school district team captain. But when she moved to Ottawa for university, Yasmin started volunteering at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat.
“When I moved (to Ottawa) in September, one of the first things that I wanted to get involved with was the Visitor Program, because a few years back, when I had visited Ottawa for the first time, I visited the Delegation building, and I remember how unique the architecture was of the building, and how I learned so much more about what AKFC does, through that tour,” says Yasmin. She enjoys meeting the many visitors that visit the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat throughout the year.
She also volunteers with AKFC’s green team, promoting environmental sustainability within the Foundation. “I personally believe that we all have a vested interest in environmental sustainability,” says Yasmin. This has given her the opportunity to further her skills, and see firsthand how ideas and research can be put into action.
Yasmin feels like she has gained a lot from volunteering with AKFC, meeting people from all walks of life, and gaining an appreciation for the breadth of the work AKFC is doing around the world. “I’m inspired to continue to volunteer with this organization because of its values and how they align with my personal values and interests,” she says.
Volunteering runs in the family for Yasmin. She says her father has been volunteering ever since she could remember. “His dedication to that beyond what was required of him was something that I really looked up to, and seeing his commitments and his vested interest in making sure his volunteer work ended up well was something that I really looked up to.”
For people thinking about volunteering, even in a small way, Yasmin says to go for it. “Those small actions, even though it might be kind of imperceptible right now, can have the potential to create waves of impact,” she says.
But, it does help if you’re doing something you love. “When you have something that you’re passionate about, that you really enjoy doing, and a cause or an organization that aligns with what you want to be done in the world… That makes the best recipe for success.”