Who We Are Our People MealExchange All-Stars | Meal Exchange All-Stars |
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Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. – Helen Keller PRESENTING ANITA ABRAHAM, Meal Exchange's All-Star of the Month  Name: Anita AbrahamSchool: University of Guelph
Currently: Coordinator of the Centre of Community Service-Learning, Wilfrid Laurier University Meal Exchange Involvement:
After traveling in India, I felt compelled to make a difference within the issue of poverty. I had seen too many people that were close to me living a life I didn’t understand. I knew what I had seen was not a special case – help was needed all over the world. But I decided I would start to help here - in my backyard, where I could see the need and the impact. I saw a poster for Meal Exchange, it caught my attention somehow so I contacted and met with our chapter coordinator Dave Kranenburg (who is now the Executive Director of MX). Dave invited me to the Skip-a-Meal delivery day where food is delivered to all of the community agencies in Guelph. I was so inspired, I walked into my residence room told my roommate I had just had the very best day of my entire first year of University and from that day on – I was hooked. How did you become a coordinator? At Guelph, there is a full interview process that takes place to become a coordinator. So I applied and got the job. It seems simple, but I know that it was a blessing for me to be able to take on this role of leadership because it really did define much of my university career. How does Meal Exchange play into your life now? Everyday when I wake up and know that I get to make a difference in this world – that is a lesson that I learned because of my involvement with Meal Exchange and its work. It inspired me, and helped create the perspective that I shine out into this world. What is your experience like mentoring the Guelph chapter? I love it! I’ve found in roles of leadership, it is always hard to pass on something that you are so passionate about. Being able to still be involved in some kind of role and share knowledge and experience has really felt like a gift – and a purposeful way to contribute to a chapter that I care so much about. And as per usual – it has surprised me. I have learned so much about myself and about the world by being in this role. And it is so good for the soul to watch someone else take work you care about to different heights. I feel SO proud of Guelph and the leadership that Meal Exchange has there, and so grateful that I’ve got to see it grow. What are you up to now? I have moved down the street from Guelph to Waterloo and am currently working at Wilfrid Laurier University as the Coordinator of the Centre of Community Service-Learning. I have continued to work with students and help develop courses and programs that allow young people to connect their time at University with the community and recognize the huge capacity we have as young people to change the world. I also volunteer as a Big Sister and lead worship at my church. I actually have time to chill with family and friends now and am looking to adopt a little kitten sometime soonJ If you could have a super power would what that be? I’d want what I call the ‘IF factor’ – the ability to free people of fear and instill a sense love. That’s where the dreams and big change is born….the power to know all is possible. Anything else you think we should know about you? I just signed up for a hip hop class with a friend – that should be pure jokes!
By Anne Pathammavong |
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