Volunteers Making a Difference

In every thriving community, there are people quietly shaping a better tomorrow. This National Volunteer Week, we’re shining a light on four of them: Shawn Fang, Carol Chen, Larry Gong and Ariel Hu—passionate volunteers, dedicated donors and proud Oakville residents whose commitment to giving back runs deep.

For Shawn and Carol, supporting Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital isn’t just about healthcare. It’s about connection, and helping to build a stronger, more caring community where everyone, whether young or old, has the support they need to thrive.

They bring this spirit to life through the Oak Medical Education Foundation (OMEF), a volunteer-led organization that blends mentorship, youth empowerment and philanthropy into something truly special. At the heart of OMEF is the Learning Buddies Program, a unique initiative where local students mentor younger children in academics, the arts and athletics, all while supporting the Oakville Hospital Foundation.

From tutoring math to teaching piano, skating or dance, these young volunteers are building bridges between generations, cultures and neighbourhoods. The program has also become a lifeline for new immigrant families, helping children and parents feel more connected and supported.

OMEF’s impact doesn’t stop there. With guidance from Ariel Hu, OMEF’s Education and Youth Program Director, the organization also runs the Career Buddy Program. This series of workshops introduces youth to the Canadian healthcare system and helps them explore healthcare-related careers. Ariel is passionate about creating space for students from minority communities to build confidence, gain insight and find a sense of belonging.

“Empowering young leaders, breaking down career barriers, bringing hope to minority communities and giving back to the community—this is the impact I strive to create,” she says.

Behind the scenes, volunteers like Larry Gong help make these programs possible. Whether supporting OMEF initiatives or helping with community fundraising events, Larry brings heart and energy to everything he does. Alongside his full-time role, he’s committed to giving back to the community he calls home.

“By volunteering, I hope to help build a stronger, healthier community where everyone has access to the care and support they deserve,” Larry shares.

Thanks to the efforts of volunteers like Ariel and Larry, and the leadership of Shawn and Carol, OMEF has helped raise thousands of dollars in support of the hospital. But beyond fundraising, they’ve helped spark something even more powerful—a ripple effect of leadership, learning and connection among Oakville’s youth.

As Carol, OMEF’s Chief Operating Officer, puts it:

“We aim to empower youth in our community, tapping into their academic strengths to encourage their contribution to society.”

For Shawn, Carol, Ariel and Larry, this is what community is all about—neighbours lifting each other up, and everyone doing their part to make a difference.

“This is our local hospital,” Carol says. “And we want to encourage others to understand the healthcare system and support the Hospital Foundation. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”

We couldn’t agree more. This National Volunteer Week, we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy and heart that volunteers like Shawn, Carol, Larry and Ariel pour into our hospital and our community.

To all our volunteers—thank you. You are the heartbeat of our wonderful community.

Learn more about the Learning Buddies and Career Buddy Programs and how they support OTMH at omef.org/learning-partner-program.