Volunteers Make Community

On International Volunteer Day, Cystic Fibrosis Canada celebrates the incredible volunteers who strengthen and support the cystic fibrosis community. From advocates to Bingos, to those who lead and donate their time at Cystic Fibrosis Canada events like Walk, volunteers make it possible for us to deliver programs that change lives. 

As part of today’s recognition, we’re highlighting the experiences of two people who volunteer as Peer Connect Facilitators, Tammy and Debra, whose commitment helps build the kind of community where people feel supported and understood.  

“Life with CF can be challenging but we’re all in this together.” – Tammy 

Tammy’s journey as a Peer Connect Facilitator volunteer is shaped by her experience as a long-time caregiver to two daughters with cystic fibrosis. Even with years of lived experience, volunteering continues to open new perspectives about the disease for her. “I’m always surprised to learn something new at a peer connect session.” 

Tammy chose to volunteer to give back to the community that supported her family. Through volunteering, she has found purpose and connection and continues returning because the experience is meaningful. “Having this sense of community through Peer Connect helps make going through life with CF easier. Being able to talk openly in a casual setting with those who truly understand you is such an impactful way to connect.” 

For Tammy, being a Peer Connect Facilitator allows her to help create a space where others feel heard and understood, something she values deeply. Her experience can be summed up in one line: “Life with CF can be challenging but we’re all in this together, let’s connect!” 

“It’s like having a meaningful conversation with a friend who gets it.” – Debra 

Debra has been consistently moved by how naturally connections form within the Peer Connect sessions she facilitates. What stands out to her is how quickly strangers become supportive peers once conversations begin. 

“I’ve been surprised by how quickly the conversations flow, and the connections happen… and the amount of laughter surprised me too.” 

Volunteering has also given Debra a sense of reassurance in her own CF journey. Through her role as Peer Connect Facilitator, she has listened to others share feelings she’s had before but she also gets the opportunity to hear new perspectives. “It has brought me comfort to know others feel the same way… and has opened my mind to considering other ways of thinking and changing my mindset for the better.” 

For Debra, the volunteer-led structure is part of what makes Peer Connect special. The sessions are informal, flexible and rooted in lived experience, creating an environment where participants feel free to show up exactly as they are. 

Thank you to every volunteer who strengthens the CF community 

International Volunteer Day is a reminder of how powerful it is when people step forward to create a community. Whether it’s volunteering at events, leading conversations, advocating for access to treatments or helping build connections, volunteers move our mission forward. 

To all volunteers: thank you for sharing your time, compassion and lived experience. You help create a community where people feel supported, empowered and connected. 

If you’d like to learn more about Peer Connect or explore volunteer opportunities, visit: