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National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2026) recognizes Canada’s culture of volunteering through the sharing of volunteer stories. Volunteers are the heart of our work at Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC). Whether behind the scenes or leading from the front, their time, care, and dedication make everything we do possible. Our amazing team of dedicated volunteers create moments of joy and hope for children, youth, and families across the country.
We spoke with Wayne Yeung, who has been volunteering with CAFC for 15 years, almost half his lifetime, in roles including co-chairing our annual Holiday Season Celebration committee and as a member of our National Impact Advisory Council (NIAC).
Why did you want to volunteer with CAFC?
Back in high school, my parents and grandparents supported the Foundation, and I was looking for an opportunity to get involved with a community-based organization. So, I decided to sign up as a volunteer and continue that family tradition.
CAFC was a perfect fit as it helps those who can’t necessarily advocate for themselves. I was also looking to get involved with a smaller charity that was making a significant impact, and I wanted the opportunity to grow with it over time.
Tell me about a memorable moment you had as a volunteer?
The most memorable moments I have are during the annual Holiday Season Celebration, as we get to see the kids and the families that we’re supporting. Having the chance to interact and engage with the people we help is really important to me. That event is close to my heart because of the joy it brings to those who attend.
What has made you continue to volunteer for all these years?
Seeing the impact that we have on kids across the country. The team does a great job of carving out and defining new initiatives to support those involved in child welfare, such as TELUS’ Mobility for Good Program™, which provides free cell phone packages to young people transitioning out of care. That’s the type of thing that keeps me volunteering with the Foundation.
I’m also motivated by the opportunity to use my professional skills to provide the Foundation with strategic expertise as a member of the NIAC, a multidisciplinary, outcomes-focused advisory body that supports the Foundation in implementing its Strategic Plan and Impact Framework.
How has your role evolved since you first started?
I started out helping with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada Gala – Teddy Bear Affair by setting up tables, cutting place cards, and doing anything that was needed during the event. Later, I became the Chair of the Holiday Season Celebration Committee. Now I sit on the National Impact Advisory Council, which gives me the opportunity to support our Board and executive leaders in figuring out where we can make the most impact on the lives of children and youth involved with child welfare.
The volunteer work I’m currently doing is definitely more strategic; however, you will still see me unloading trucks, moving things around and helping at events like the Joe Carter Classic golf tournament. When I attend the gala, I can’t help but ask the person in charge of the volunteers if they need a hand with anything.
How has volunteering changed your life?
Volunteering with the Foundation has provided me with a clear perspective of the barriers that children and youth involved with child welfare face. I’ve been privileged to grow up with a very supportive family and with many opportunities, like being able to pursue higher education and extracurricular activities, which led me to build a successful career. Getting involved opened my eyes to the fact that there’s a massive population that doesn’t benefit from the things I and my peers grew up with.
I’ve really enjoyed meeting so many young people with lived experience over the years and having the opportunity to provide them with personal and professional advice to help them along their path. Seeing how far they have come and finding out about their successes because of the Foundation’s support is really impactful for me.
What would you tell someone about volunteering with CAFC?
I want them to know that the Foundation offers numerous opportunities to get involved, but I feel that the best way to experience the impact on children and youth is to volunteer at the Holiday Season Celebration. It is so meaningful to see the reactions those kids have throughout that special day. It really speaks to the work that we do as a Foundation.
