Welcome to another “face of ACS”, an interview series starring ACS Volunteers and their journey in serving the non-profit community.
Born and raised in Canada, valued ACS volunteer Treena arrived in HK 21 years ago and has been here ever since, to our great benefit and that of everyone in the social sector who has been touched by, and who has benefitted from, her professional expertise, giving back, and her big heart.
Treena is a writer, a teacher, a corporate escapee, a wife, a mother, a zookeeper, and a closet clarinetist ! Here is Treena in her won words:
What 3 words would your friends use to describe you?
- I asked: Bubbly. Bossy. Caffeinated.
You have been a passionate, enthusiastic volunteer on many ACS programs over the years – could you share your volunteering journey so far and your motivation for volunteering with ACS?
Community service has always been part of my professional life, but when I came to Hong Kong many years ago from Canada, I wasn’t sure where I could make a meaningful contribution without speaking Cantonese.
I did a Google search one day and found the perfect partner in ACS – an organization that was looking for people to share their professional knowledge and experience. At first, I was surprised that I was learning so much more from volunteering in every program that I could ever give back.
Being able to work shoulder-to-shoulder with people in the social sector and other business professional has really expanded my knowledge, my network and made me feel much more a part of Hong Kong.
From your volunteering experience with ACS so far, what would be your 3 tips to those who have just joined the ACS Volunteer Community as a volunteer?
- 1: Don’t be shy: Make the most of this incredible network of smart, positive people with diverse backgrounds. Invite other volunteers and NGO staff that you meet for coffee and get to know each other!
- 2: Set a goal for yourself: What do you want to learn? Take as much as you can from the events and workshops for your own professional development too.
- 3: Rinse and Repeat!
Thank you Treena for your time in this interview, and for sharing your journey story with us. We look forward to seeing you at our next ACS activity. All the best!
