Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
Whether speaking at a career fair or volunteering at the Nak’azdli Health Centre in Fort St. James, Carmen Bird is always ready to help make a difference whenever she can.
The bubbly 34-year-old with a smile that never quits makes her rounds as a volunteer throughout the community and for her, it’s all about being a part of something.
“For me, the busier I am the better. I love helping out in the community. But it’s also about keeping myself busy and surrounding myself with positive people,” Bird said.
Bird volunteers regularly at Nak’azdli’s Women’s Wellness Group, she is on the church council at Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, she volunteers at local Alcoholic Anonymous meetings and at the Alternate Justice Centre.
“I understand the court system. I’ve lived through it and I was a victim myself,” Bird said.
Just recently, Bird also helped organize Addictions Awareness Week which was held in April.
Bird herself has struggled with addiction in the past and she is all too familiar with the struggles associated with it.
“I’ve lived through addiction and I know how it feels. I want to give back to my community.”
When not volunteering, Bird attends the Community and School Support Program (CASS) at the College of New Caledonia.
She is currently on the road to becoming a teaching assistant.
“I’ve finished my studies and I just found out I passed. I’m so excited. Now all I have left is my practicum in September,” Bird said.
When not in school, Bird enjoys reading, walking and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
But for Bird, volunteering is truly where her heart lies.
“If I can encourage people to make change, then that means something to me. I want to be a role model for my community.”