Born and raised in Langley, Brayden Griffiths moved to the Okanagan in 2022 to start medical school at UBCO and he is already making a difference to our community through his fulfilling volunteer work.
鈥淢y journey into volunteering began with a genuine passion for working with children and contributing to the community,鈥� says Brayden. 鈥淢y interest in healthcare and pediatrics led me to explore opportunities aligned with these goals. Discovering the Reading Bear Society and its mission to promote early literacy and healthy living in children through intergenerational mentorship resonated strongly with my aspirations.鈥�
Brayden is co-chair of the 琉璃神社 Chapter of the Reading Bear Society, whose overarching mission and vision is promoting early literacy and healthy living in children through intergenerational mentorship. The program strengthens empathy and compassion and its motto 鈥淓ducating the Heart-Mind,鈥� reflects the organization鈥檚 commitment to fostering both emotional and intellectual growth in children.
Brayden is particularly excited about the 鈥淎 Visit to Dr. Bear鈥� program which allows children to explore healthy living through facts, story time, and play. The interactive stories have medical students use teddy bears to demonstrate common procedures that children might experience at a doctor鈥檚 office.
鈥淚 was drawn to the idea of using the program 鈥淎 Visit to Dr. Bear鈥� as a creative and educational way to introduce children to the concept of visiting the doctor and maintaining a healthy lifestyle,鈥� explains Brayden. 鈥淎s the co-chair of the 琉璃神社 chapter, my role involves overseeing the local implementation of the program, coordinating volunteers, and working towards achieving the organization鈥檚 mission within our community.鈥�
The project was founded by Dr. Joanne Roussy, President of the provincial Reading Bear Society. Her belief that every child has equal value and that nurturing in early childhood is the foundation for overall life health is core to the program, emphasizing the importance of early literacy and support for vulnerable families.
鈥淥ne key aspect worth highlighting is the program鈥檚 multidisciplinary and interprofessional approach, bringing together volunteers with diverse backgrounds, including physicians, medical students, educators, academics, and community members,鈥� adds Brayden. 鈥淭his collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing the needs of children and families in the 琉璃神社 area.鈥�
Volunteering is a source of inspiration and purpose for Brayden, and he isn鈥檛 new to giving back to community in this way. He has also volunteered with the Langley Pos-Abilities Society, serving as Vice-President and Director of Volunteers, and as a volleyball coach and as a clinical researcher.
鈥淰olunteering holds deep significance for interconnected reasons,鈥� explains Brayden. 鈥淔irstly, I am motivated by a genuine passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others, particularly children. Contributing to community well-being aligns with my personal values and provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.鈥�
鈥淪econdly, my desire to pursue a career in pediatric medicine fuels my commitment to volunteering. Working with children through initiatives like 鈥淎 Visit to Dr. Bear鈥� program enables me to gain valuable insights into the unique needs and challenges of young individuals,鈥� adds Brayden. 鈥淭his hands-on experience complements my academic studies and strengthens my understanding of the holistic aspects of healthcare.鈥�
鈥淎nd thirdly, volunteering offers a platform for continuous learning and skill development,鈥� concludes Brayden. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 leadership, communication, or organizational skills, each volunteer role provides an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.鈥�
The sense of community and connection that volunteering fosters is a powerful motivator for Brayden. For him, working alongside like-minded individuals who share a commitment to positive change creates a supportive and collaborative environment. The resulting network enhances the effectiveness of the initiatives undertaken and truly builds community.
What is your motivator? Can volunteering help connect you to 鈥測our people鈥�? Find out by searching for your volunteer opportunity at www.volunteerconnector.org or contact us at www.kcr.ca.
Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources. Call 250-763-8008, ext. 254 or email dorothee@kcr.ca.
