Is It “Volunteering” When You're Having Fun?

Published Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Is It “Volunteering” When You're Having Fun?

Pictured (L-R) Gillian Sgambelluri with Tricia Del Paggio on the set of Mamma Mia.


Meet Gillian Sgambelluri, Fundraising Intern at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation

Like many people just graduating from university, Gillian Sgambelluri isn't quite sure what she wants to do with her life. But she has certainly thrown herself headlong into exploring her options. That includes joining the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation as the new Fundraising Intern.

Gillian graduated from Lakehead University in May with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce. However, she knew from the beginning that she did not want to go into a “traditional” business field such as banking.

“Business seemed to be the practical decision,” she said about choosing a major. “There were times when I thought about going into social work instead or maybe going to law school. I'm still trying to find out where I fit.”

Gillian quickly learned though that she could apply her business knowledge to the non-profit and not-for-profit sectors. While still a student at Lakehead, she worked for two years as an Accounting & Operations Assistant at the Northern Policy Institute (NPI), a Northern Ontario-based think tank that informs socio-economic policies for our unique region. At the Foundation, she's working closely with Shelley Graham, Manager Major Gifts and Campaigns, on the Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign.

“Working for a non-profit is a whole different language,” Gillian said.

It's a language that appeals to her. Gillian is naturally community-minded; she was a competitive dancer for 14 years and now teaches children the art form. She also gives freely of her time and dance skills. Gillian helped choreograph several fundraising shows at St. Patrick High School for the Health Sciences Foundation with her former teacher, Tricia Del Paggio. Gillian also competed in the “Dancing with the Docs” fundraiser for the Northern Cancer Fund with dance partner Dr. John Coccimiglio – Tricia and her brother Dr. Joseph Del Paggio, Chief of Oncology at the Hospital, created the event in honour of their mother. Gillian also helped co-ordinate the “Pie a Prof” fundraiser during her last year of university, and has volunteered at several community events and charities including the Dew Drop Inn.

However, Gillian views these as fun hobbies rather than fundraising or donating her time.

“I never really thought of it specifically as volunteering,” Gillian said. “For example, when Tricia asked last year, ‘Why don't you come choreograph Mamma Mia?' I thought, oh, that would be fun!

“That's how I want to shape my career – find something I'm good at and that I enjoy doing.”

Tricia has been a mentor and huge inspiration for her in that respect. They still meet regularly to work on new projects.

“Tricia changed my life – she's part of everything for me. I would follow her down a dark alley if she told me it was the right way.”

Whatever Gillian decides for her career, it's clear she'll become a huge asset to our community and our region. Most who know her would say she already is.

 

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