Every month CTV partners up with Volunteer Calgary to bring you stories about outstanding volunteers.
Ann Charnock is not only a very proud Grandmother, but is also grateful for the gifts given to her from her grandchildren. You see, Ann credits her granddaughter Grace with inspiring her to volunteer with Calgary Reads. Ann says, “I had no worries in the world” when it came to her grandchildren and their ability to read. Then one day she found out her granddaughter Grace had below average reading. Ann said she was shocked. So, she became creative and developed a reward program to help Grace. As a result Grace now tutors other students, and Ann was asked by the school to become a part of Calgary Reads. This is Ann’s first year with the program, and it’s because of the program that she has mentored and developed a lasting relationship with a special little guy.
VIP – Ann Charnock
Organization – Calgary Reads/Coventry Hills School
Describe your first experience with volunteerism: Ann tells me when she moved to Calgary she helped organize the very first Lilac Festival. She also was part of volunteering with the Whooping Crane program at the Calgary Zoo. However, it’s volunteering at her granddaughter’s school for the past 8 years that really brings her joy.
What was your motivation for volunteering for Calgary Reads: It is the story about her granddaughter struggling with reading that became her motivation to help other children with their reading skills.
How has volunteering impacted your life: Ann tells the story of the little boy that she has worked with for 33 sessions this past school year. She says as she opened the world to him through reading, he reintroduced her to innocent truthful experience of being a child. Ann says, how can you describe what it feels like when a child says to you “can I have a picture – I never want to forget you”.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering: The Calgary Reads program gives you the tools to help you connect with the child. Ann says she feels fortunate to get such an endearing little guy so open to learning for her first student. She says their relationship is different. It is through positive verbiage “yes you can” that their special bond has grown. Ann says she gets such joy to see the realization dawn on a little boys face, when he knows he can read…
What do you like about Calgary: Ann moved here in 1984 and says she was always struck by the level of volunteerism in the city. It is that spirit of volunteering that she still admires today.
Has anyone famous or not impacted your life: Ann tells the story of a co-worker named Pam Roberston. She says Pam was someone at the bank that was always encouraging. She was a great motivator and told people they can be whatever they want to be. Pam moved up and became Vice-President, always surrounding herself with positive strong people. Ann says Pam knew who she was and inspired others to be all that they can.
