Today's Featured Volunteer

Aric Rankin

Age: 28
Volunteers in: Leogane, Haiti; Leribe, Lesotho; London, Ontario

Category: International: Health & Wellness

Organizations:
Canadian Medical Assistance Teams, Disaster relief in Haiti post earthquake (Jan.-Feb. 2010)
Ontario Hospital Association, OHAfrica, Tsepong Clinic, Kingdom of Lesotho (May-Aug. 2009)
G.R.O. Foundation, Leribe, Kingdom of Lesotho (July-Aug. 2009)

How long has candidate been involved in their current volunteer work?
More than 10 years

How frequently do they volunteer?
5 -10 hours a week

Why candidate is an outstanding volunteer
Aric doesn't just volunteer, he lives volunteerism. He inspires and builds capacity in other volunteers then recognizes their accomplishments. He has international experience working as a nurse fighting HIV/AIDS and TB in the Kingdom of Lesotho May-August 2009, and with the first disaster response team for the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti January 2010. Aric gives continuously, also finding time to be chapter president of RNAO and a professional member of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

How many people does your candidate's volunteerism impact?
More than 100 people

why your candidate became involved with volunteering
Aric began volunteering young and achieved the Chief Scout award. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 16, he became more involved by sharing his experiences and coping strategies with other IBD patients. In 2005 he first exhibited self-direction in international volunteerism after witnessing the state of the education system while on vacation in Fiji. Aric pioneered health education and coordinated supply donations, stating we can't help everyone, but in helping someone, we can never fail.

Awards candidate has received in the past for volunteer work.
Registered Nursing Association of Ontario (RNAO) Certificate of Distinction Award, 2010
University of Windsor Odyssey Award, 2010

Links
Article: RNAO members provide humanitarian aid to Haiti
Article: LHSC staff assist the recovery efforts in Haiti
OHAfrica

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