Spotlight on - Jill Gilday
In early 2010, Jill was chosen as an Ambassador for impossible2Possible's Running Tunisia expedition - part of the Twenty10 H20 Initiative. In April 2010, Jill and three additional Ambassadors joined Ray Zahab and the i2P team for an eight-day, 250 km run through the searing heat and massive sand dunes of Tunisia to help raise funds and awareness for the global water and sanitation crisis.
"When I got back home from my impossible2Possible youth expedition, Running Tunisia 2010, I was eager to share stories about what was a life-changing experience for me. I contacted my elementary and middle schools about doing a presentation about my trip and the water situation and then helping students to run a fundraiser for Ryan's Well. I was received with incredible enthusiasm! I had never done a large presentation before, and definitely never organized a fundraiser, but I just did my best and both presentations turned out great!
At each school, on the day following the presentation, we ran a 'Loonie/Twoonie Drive.' The idea was that we raise $1 for every student at the school. Getting involved is an incredible feeling and I wanted to make sure that every student was capable of contributing, each of them making a difference."
As a result of her inspiring experiences with i2P, Jill has since decided to switch career plans and the direction of her studies at the University of Calgary!
"I made the decision to quit speed skating this year (2011), and therefore moved home to Yellowknife for the summer to work and get ready to continue my degree on a full time basis. On the day that I knew that I was quitting skating, I couldn't sleep that night, because I was so excited. So excited because of everything that I look forward to doing with my life, and all the things that I will be able to do help other people. Since my expedition I have decided to change career direction. I no longer want to be a teacher, instead I want to work in non-profit. I have slightly altered my degree by adding a business minor."
Jill's advice to anyone wanting to get involved - "dive in headfirst!"
"Taking the first step is the hardest part so why not just throw yourself into it! Think of what makes you happy or excited and then find an organization that seems to embody this. If you're not sure what it is that gets you going, start something of your own or pick anything and give it a whirl! Remember that every little thing helps, that your contribution doesn't have to be enormous. Do what you can manage and take pride in helping out. There is no act that is too big or too small; even a seemingly small act can make a world of difference!"
You can make a difference, too!
Donate, Fundraise or Raise Awareness.
Then, be sure to share your actions with everyone you know!
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