Volunteer of the Month - September 2016

Menchie Sabater was born in Manila. With a background in Electronics and Communications Engineering, she dedicated thirteen years working with the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines.

In search of a better quality of life, she moved to Calgary in 2004 with her husband and their three children. She had heard so many great things about Canada and was excited to begin a new chapter in her life.

In 2006, through the CCIS Engineering & Technology Upgrading Program, Menchie was offered a full-time position at the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management company where she had done her three-month work experience placement. Menchie stayed with them for six years before moving on to work for an environmental consulting and engineering company for the next three years. There, Menchie provides environmental and regulatory compliance and licensing support to the oil and gas industry, and has been instrumental in the program planning and management of several major energy development applications in Alberta.

Menchie considers her life a blessing and enjoys spending quality time with her family. This mother loves to cook, enjoys gardening and growing her own produce when able. Not the rugged, camper type, she appreciates leisurely walks at the beautiful National Parks.

Having benefited from so many support programs, she is forever thankful and indebted to those who opened their hearts and pockets to immigrants like her family. She has since been delighted to give back to the community. She and her family occasionally find time to help out various public service organizations.

“The Volunteer Program at Immigrant Services Calgary provided me with more opportunities to reach out to more immigrants, and I enjoy every minute working with the ISC staff, partner organizations, and other volunteers.”

In less than six months since joining ISC Menchie has already volunteered 130 hours, both in the community, supporting various organizations that partnered with ISC, and at the ISC office, assisting multiple programs.

Thank you and congratulations, Menchie!