Time, Treasure & Talent!
Michael DeVenney has been contributing to Phoenix for the past 10 years both as a volunteer and as a donor.
A mentor once told Michael, "You can contribute your time, your treasure or your talent." This inspired Michael to become involved with the Phoenix Learning & Employment Centre, running workshops that help participants see their strengths and work on leadership development.
There was an occasion when one particular youth had expressed to Michael that his goal was to become a doctor. In doing an assessment of his skills and strengths, Michael was able to determine that this was indeed a path for which he was well suited. Working with the Phoenix Learning & Employment Centre the young man moved on to university and is now working towards medical school.
Michael strives to instill in youth that they can achieve any goal, a lesson he learned from his father, always stressing the importance of education. Unfortunately Michael has found that many of the youth have not had this kind of encouragement prior to arriving at Phoenix.
Michael also contributes to Phoenix as a donor and helps to advance the organization's mission through networking and lending the services of his business. Most recently he Co-Chaired the Nutcracker Luncheon with Heather Tulk (Bell Aliant), leading the event to its most successful year ever!
There are a lot of organizations looking for support, especially around the holidays, but Michael continues to work with Phoenix because of the positive outlook that is constantly reinforced while working with youth. He adds that providing a family atmosphere around the holidays is one of Phoenix's many strengths.
His involvement has been a very rewarding experience as he can see visible changes in the lives of the youth. The terrific success rate, and being able to really see the difference being made, keep him returning year after year. It is with the support of volunteers like Michael that Phoenix is able to continue providing youth with the tools, opportunities and education they need to be successful.
