Volunteer Spotlight: Shanna Yip

Shanna is one such volunteer who has shown an incredible amount of commitment to WWF-Canada’s work over the past year. While working two jobs, she still finds the time to volunteer once a week in our office. Incredibly passionate and dedicated to our cause, she is determined to make a difference. Her assistance in the Donor Relations & Services Department helps us maintain exceptional customer service through outreach, data entry, stewardship and administration support. You will also occasionally find her at reception, helping us answer and direct calls. We checked in with Shanna to see what inspires her to volunteer for a Living Planet.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I studied Political Science at the University of Western Ontario, and then a certificate program at the University of Guelph in Environmental Studies. I’m very passionate about environmental issues and want to dedicate my working career to helping make positive environmental changes in this world. I love to travel and have done some extensive traveling around Asia. I had the priceless opportunities to trek through pristine, old-growth tropical rainforests in Borneo, Malaysia, spot Orangutans high in the tree tops in Sumatra, Indonesia, and snorkel alongside thriving coral reefs with sharks, sea turtles and sting rays in Komodo Island National Park. These are just a few of the special experiences that I got to do, but they won’t be the last. Seeing all these beautiful creatures in their natural state made me want to devote my life to the environmental cause that much more. I want to be the voice for our voiceless wildlife and ecosystems. It’s my passion for our life-sustaining planet that makes me who I am today.
What made you decide, or inspired you, to volunteer with WWF?
I have always known about WWF ever since I was little kid. I have been a huge animal/nature lover since I was a child and wanted to volunteer for an environmental organization that I knew was actually making vital conservation differences in Canada and throughout the world. When I was in University, I would source from various WWF reports like the Living Planet Report and would use countless examples of how WWF’s conservation work in countries around the world were benefiting biodiversity, whole ecosystems, local people and businesses. I have supported WWF for a very long time and thought it would be an amazing opportunity to be part of this reputable environmental organization. It’s WWF’s dedication, passion and hard work that inspired me to join their volunteering team!
What has the experience been like so far?
The experience has been a lot of fun! I always look forward to coming into the office and helping out on whatever tasks need to be done for that day. I enjoy working alongside other committed individuals and being part of the WWF-Canada team. I have learned a lot about what it’s like working in the non-for-profit sector and have gained valuable organizational and computer software skills.  I just really love the positive atmosphere that allows me to thrive as a WWF volunteer. The experience has been worth all my time, and effort. I look forward to volunteering for as long as I can with WWF-Canada J
What is your favourite aspect of being a volunteer?
I know this may sound cliché, but my favourite aspect of being a volunteer at WWF-Canada, is knowing that I’m contributing to an environmental organization that is making significant strides in conservation work in Canada and throughout the world. Another favourite aspect of being a volunteer at WWF is getting the opportunity to go to all the different Conservation Briefings that update everyone in the office on some of the work WWF has been doing in Canada and in other countries. I love to expand my knowledge on all sorts of environmental issues and like to hear about the innovative research, reports and solutions WWF have and will implement. For example, I went to a Conservation Briefing on noise pollution in our oceans and never thought about how this issue negatively impacts our marine life. You just never think about those factors. This is just one of many important environmental issues WWF is in the midst of tackling which I commend them for.
What have you learned or gained from volunteering?
I have gained an array of skills and experiences while volunteering at WWF. I have gained new insight in what it’s like to work in the non-for-profit sector which is very admirable work. I have tackled numerous projects that have allowed me to be in direct contact with WWF supporters, and these tasks have enhanced my customer service skills. Working with Raiser’s Edge and Noza databases has helped me diversify my computer skills. Assisting with donor mail, organizing tax receipts and assembling welcome kits has helped sharpen my multitasking skills and pay attention to small details. I have always had immense respect for anyone working towards positive environmental or social change, but volunteering at WWF and seeing all the hard-work that goes into every campaign, report, and event makes me sincerely appreciate WWF’s efforts. Volunteering at WWF-Canada has also made me believe in the environmental cause that much more. Seeing all the conservation solutions WWF has implemented throughout the world shows me that positive environmental changes are effective and possible when you put your heart and determination into it.
What advice would you share with others?
I highly recommend anyone to volunteer with WWF-Canada if your daily schedule permits you to! I recommend that people volunteer with WWF even if they wouldn’t exactly consider themselves an environmentalist, because I believe it’s important that all Canadians gain more insight into the pressing environmental issues plaguing our country and planet. Seeing all the hard-work and perseverance that goes into conservation work will also give you another significant perspective on what else is important in all of our lives—and that is our environment. We need a healthy natural environment in order to sustain all forms of life. We have well overstepped our Earth’s carrying capacity, and this means that we must continue to transition our planet towards a sustainable path that will allow all of us to thrive. Let’s all do our eco-part, whether it is big or small, and help make our home the healthy living planet that we all deserve to live on.