Nonprofit organizations such as Hull Services thrive on the generosity, efforts, and dedication of volunteers. Whether it’s lending a hand at an event, or simply dedicating their time to support one of our programs, volunteers play a vital role in carrying out our mission. Their generosity strengthens our work, expands our impact, and empowers us to create so much more meaningful change every day.  

Volunteer contributions have a lasting impact– helping us build stronger connections, brighter futures, and a community where so much more is possible.  

We recently spoke with Jack Mai, a dedicated volunteer at Hull Services, to hear what inspires him to give his time and the difference he makes through his commitment.  

Why do you volunteer with Hull Services? What is it about Hull that enticed you to volunteer?

In order to achieve the goal of a better society, the act of volunteering is one of many gestures that an individual can pursue in achieving that goal. Community-centered organizations that advocate for healing, growth, and advancement in educational services are among many underrecognized collectives that attribute to the advancement of society. One of these community-centered organization is Hull Services, which allowed me the opportunity to utilize my professional skills and knowledge to contribute among a fantastic group of volunteers in collaboratively giving back to our community. Every hour of contribution further advances Hull Services’ goals of becoming an organization that brings life-changing impacts to youth, young adults, families and the next generation in shaping their futures. Every person deserves a chance to receive mental health and educational support services. For myself, seeing first-hand these life-changing impacts every time we volunteer drives us to keep volunteering.

What types of volunteering do you do with Hull, how much time do you typically commit, and which areas of the organization do you support?

Every volunteer contributes generously their time and energy at every opportunity that arises. Since joining in 2024, I strive to commit to as many volunteering opportunities available and to generously share with Hull Services my past experiences, knowledge, and skills in achieving positive outcomes. Majority of my volunteering hours in the past have primarily been contributed in event execution and fundraising. An hour of volunteering is all it takes to see major life-changing impact and that experience is truly rewarding.

How do you think your support impacts Hull?

I am fortunate to witness first-hand the impact of my volunteering efforts that resulted positively in the collective success for the volunteers and the Hull’s communication and events team. Many of the fundraising events cannot be achieved without their skilled and talented, hardworking contributions.

How does it make you feel volunteering with Hull?

Volunteering at Hull Services has been a rewarding and positive experience. After every volunteering session with a fantastic group of volunteers, I feel grateful and energized knowing there are many like-minded people that share in the common goals of making our community a better place to share, live, and grow for generations to come.    

What would you tell others about volunteering with Hull?

Volunteering at Hull Services is a rewarding and eye-opening experience that allowed me to gain a better understanding of the community needs and challenges that impacts our society. If you want to truly make life-changing impacts and meet very talented, friendly volunteers and staff, I highly encourage you to volunteer. Volunteering at Hull will open many doors to great friendships, experiences, and can be rewardingly fruitful knowing that you made a positive impact in our community. 

How do you balance personal goals with community needs in your volunteer work?

Personally, it comes down to comprehending the needs and expectations of being a volunteer coupled with a mindset of community service. By working together with the volunteers, personal goals will change. From simply meeting new people, learning a new skill, giving back to the community, and seeing life-changing impact of one’s efforts, the underlying balance for me is the mindset of respect for the organisation, the talented people at Hull, and the desire to contribute collectively in advocating for a safer, happier, and a better empowered community.