National Volunteer Week 2018 – John Anderson

Volunteer of the Year Response

Branch: ECY

Name: John Anderson

Position: Group Fitness Instructor

Number of Years Volunteered: 26

Number of Volunteer Hours in 2018: 25+

How has the nominee been a YMCA Calgary Ambassador?

John was one of the first Y people I met when I started working here. He was (an always is ) welcoming, encouraging, and cheerful. He left the most positive impression of an organization I was already excited to be a part of. John talks about the Y like a family.

How does the volunteer engage in the YMCA Calgary Community?

John teaches lunch hour fitness classes at least two days per week, and on the others he attends them as a participant! He is a fixture in this facility between the hours of 11:30 and 1:00pm, choosing to spend his time engaging with staff, members, and other volunteers.

How has the nominee built positive relationships?

John is one of our most longstanding and respected volunteers. He recognizes every participant by name, takes the time to get to know and help new faces in the crowd, and does it all with a smile.

In what ways has the nominee exceeded the expectations of their role?

John stepped well outside his comfort zone in 2017. While his background and experience is in teaching typical hi/lo and cardio classes, John decided to leap into the MOSSA Group Blast training head first. This time consuming and occasionally frustrating class brought out the best in John, and the extra time and effort he puts in to learn and teach releases himself, as well as ensure members are getting the most out of each class, is so appreciated!