I give back in a number of ways: over the past 14 years, I have volunteered with the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Edmonton International Jazz Festival, and a number of other organizations – the Bissell Centre, I frequent area Farmer’s Markets, and I give blood regularly. I started volunteering after moving back to the city and realizing I wasn’t as familiar with our community as I thought. Now I do it to align with my interests and hobbies, meet friends and to give back to the community. Canada is better thanks to volunteers who help develop a sense of camaraderie and community. Festivals are great places to volunteer – everyone comes together to accomplish a common goal – it’s quite fulfilling!