Getting involved and caring about the community
Throughout my life, I've volunteered my time in every community I've lived and worked in, with one simple goal: to make it a better place.
U15 Baseball Coach — Dordrecht, Netherlands
Volunteering as a youth baseball coach was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. Our U15 team combined Hawks players with players from the Dordt Sport Program — an initiative that brings sport to vulnerable youth from underserved neighbourhoods. Watching the kids grow, not just their skills but as young people, was one of the best experiences of my life.
Dordtsche Kil Shoreline Cleanup — Dordrecht, Netherlands
A colleague and I took daily walks along the Dordtsche Kil river on our lunch breaks. When we noticed how much garbage washed up on the rocky shore, we decided to spend one lunch hour a week cleaning it. Every week, Jozef and I would each fill two or three bags and bring them back to the office to be disposed of.
Earth Day — Parc Simoneau Forest Cleanup
Before we moved to Ward 4, we lived in Ward 3, where my family and I would take almost daily walks through Parc Simoneau. To help the community — and to teach our then two-year-old daughter the importance of caring for green spaces — we cleaned up the forest floor in a spot popular with students from the Rockland District High School across the street.
Algonquin College — Industry Partner
As part of the College's International Business program, I worked with a group of six students each semester as their Industry Partner — guiding their research, market strategy, and final business-plan presentations for their Capstone Project.
Community Development Advisory Committee — City of Clarence-Rockland
The Committee advises Council, through staff, on policy, programs, infrastructure, and service delivery across sports, recreation, arts, culture, heritage, and parks. We provided feedback on projects such as the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the Canada Day Festival, the Concert Series, the Christmas Parade of Lights, and the Clarence-Rockland Museum, along with recommendations for the 2026 budget.