Jessica Ngan
Development Officer of Leadership Giving, Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation
Young Professionals Lead, Professional Development Committee
Like many of my peers, I did not grow up thinking I would become a fundraiser. In fact, I did not even know that fundraising was a viable career path. As a young one, I got involved with Girl Guides of Canada, and sold those delicious Girl Guide cookies as a fundraiser. Then, bake sales to raise funds at my local church. It wasn’t until I worked part-time as a student fundraiser for UBC’s Annual Giving Call Centre that I really opened my mind to the impact of giving, and the importance of fundraising for the non-profit sector.
I think most people working in the non-profit sector will tell you how rewarding it is to work for a cause you truly believe in, or to know that you’re making a difference in people’s lives. For me, it’s all that, and the people. I might be biased, but I think you’ll find some of the most compassionate, empathetic, and wonderful people in this sector. I’ve been blessed to work alongside incredible leaders and supportive colleagues. I find a lot of fulfillment and joy in working with donors, being honoured with their stories, and helping them achieve their philanthropic goals.
Being relatively new to the profession at that time, I jumped at the chance to get involved with the AFP Greater Vancouver Chapter. I knew it would be a great way to connect with other fundraisers and volunteer my time in a meaningful way for my community. I joined the Professional Development Committee in March 2020. That’s right, it was right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I think it was incredibly fortunate that I had my fellow committee members to turn to and lean on, as fundraising suddenly turned fully virtual, and many looked towards us to provide PD opportunities for our sector to transition into this new post-COVID world. I’m currently the Young Professionals Lead, bringing new initiatives to engage the young professionals in our sector, being one myself!
As we wrap up this year’s 2022 National Volunteer Week, all of us here would like to say a huge THANK YOU for volunteering with the AFP Greater Vancouver!
If you’re interested in expanding your professional network, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and doing some meaningful volunteer work, give us a shout at info@afpgreatervancouver.org!