Volunteers at the Y: Saeed’s Story
When Saeed first connected with the YMCA, he was on the receiving end of a helping hand.
After moving to New Brunswick from Ontario in July 2025, Saeed received donated furniture through the YMCA’s newcomer support services. When it came time to help deliver that furniture to another family, he joined in.
He didn’t know it then, but that small act of helping would lead him to something more.
In March 2026, after dropping his son off at daycare, Saeed met his friend and fellow YMCA volunteer, Abdul Jalil, at the Y. Abdul asked if he would be interested in volunteering. Immediately said yes.
While filling out his volunteer form that same day, he was already getting ready to help with his first task. And he hasn’t looked back.
“What makes it special is having the opportunity to meet people, work as part of a team, and know that the time and effort I’m giving is making a positive difference.”
He especially appreciates the small moments seeing how a simple act of kindness or support can make someone’s day a little better.
Volunteering has also changed something in Saeed.
It has given him a stronger sense of connection to his community and a deeper appreciation for the support people give one another.
“It has helped me appreciate the importance of giving back. Being there for others. And not taking the support we receive from others for granted.”
Through volunteering, Saeed has built relationships, developed new skills and gained a greater understanding of both the needs and strengths within his community.
His message to anyone considering volunteering is simple:
“Give it a try. You don’t have to have a special cause or a lot of time to make a difference. Even a few hours or a small contribution can mean a lot to someone else.”
Saeed is grateful for the experiences and relationships he has gained through volunteering and hopes more people have the opportunity to discover just how rewarding it can be.
Because sometimes, giving back starts with simply saying ‘Yes’.
About the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a charity dedicated to building healthy, connected communities where everyone belongs. Through health and wellness, newcomer support, child and youth development, and community programs, we remove barriers, stand against racism and exclusion, and ensure people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Help Us Tell More Stories
If you’re reading this and someone from our YMCA community comes to mind whose story deserves to be told, we’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and share their story so we can continue highlighting the voices, moments, and impact that make our YMCA so special.