Amrik Randhawa

What YAC were you involved with and for what period of time were you a member?

I was a founding member of the Surrey Foundation Youth Council (founded in 1998). I am still involved with the Foundation to this day – I’m now a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

How old were you then and how old are you now?

I was 14 years old at that time, and am now 22.

What is your favourite YAC memory?

The YAC conferences are always very memorable; this includes all of the CFC national conferences, and the Adventure Tours conference in Michigan. You get a chance to meet a lot of interesting and enthusiastic people that have some common goals.

What was your favourite grant?

It’s tough to pick a favourite; there have been so many great grants we’ve given out. One that stands out in my mind is the Spirit of Youth mural project done by the Surrey Crime Prevention Society. This is an ongoing project that we’ve supported for a number of years – information about this project is available here.

What are you doing now?

I’m currently working as a consultant in the technology and multimedia arena, as well as a volunteer board member of the Surrey Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada and the McCreary Youth Foundation.

How has your involvement in youth philanthropy influenced your life today?

It’s changed my life. I’m much more aware of the non-profit sector and the wonderful work that so many people are doing.

What else would you like to tell people who are reading this?

If you haven’t volunteered before, what are you waiting for? Volunteering can help open doors you didn’t even know existed; not to mention that it’s a whole lot of fun!

June 2006.