Carolyn Parks, Co-Founder, 100 Mile Gifts

Carolyn Parks,
Co-Founder, 100 Mile Gifts

Leadership Waterloo Region Class of 2002

Even though it has been over a decade since I participated in Leadership Waterloo Region, my experience with this program has stuck with me clearly and has most certainly formed an indelible part of my internal 'fabric' when it comes to my perspective on community stewardship.

I came to the program as a brand new entrepreneur who was fairly young and new to understanding our Region's needs from a volunteer and leadership standpoint. So you could say I was pretty 'green'! The community learning days - along with the projects and 'in the field' homework assignments with classmates - offered amazing and engaging ways for me to gain a broader view on our region and the needs that exist.

Fast forward some years ahead, and I am now a fairly active person on the volunteer front. My 'greater' involvements include: being the founder of StuffIn Stockings, a growing and well received seasonal charity entering its 6th year; sitting on the Board of Sanguen Health Centre in Waterloo; and being the head of the PR committee for the St. Jacobs Lions Club. And beyond these consistent roles, I try to help where I'm able with respect to requests that arise for fundraisers and other community endeavours.

I have to sincerely thank Leadership Waterloo Region for shaping me the way it has with respect to my views toward and respect for community involvement, as well my appreciation for the need to share our skills, energy and talents.

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