Volunteer of the Month - August 2016

Before moving to Canada almost three years ago, Gulnaz lived in the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation. She was a Software Engineer, holding a Master Degree from Kazan State Technical University. However, computers are not Gulnaz’s only interest.

“My other passion is helping animals. I love working with dogs and training them.”

When she moved to Calgary, she brought along her best friend: Volcha, her German shepherd. Back home, they used to dance in the community for kids and their parents.

In Calgary, Gulnaz and Volcha were part of ‘The Canine Stars’, performing every day in Stampede 2016's Dog Bowl.

"I never even thought that I will be performing on the big stage in front of 2,200 people!" 

In Canada, Gulnaz wants to get involved and help others through volunteering. She loves Canadian culture, and finds Canadians’ friendliness and politeness very stimulating. At Immigrant Services Calgary Gulnaz fulfills multiple volunteer roles. She actively helps children at the Mosaic Family Resource Centre; and when she is not around kids, she helps newcomers with language barriers as a Language Bank interpreter and translator for the languages of Russian and English.

“My experience with ISC has been amazing. […] I learn a lot every time I meet people from all over the world. It is my pleasure to give back to the community which has been always so welcoming to me.”

Congratulations Gulnaz!