Community Foundations Month is coming to the end of its fourth year in Canada and, at SurreyCares Community Foundation, that means it’s time to reflect on the development of SurreyCares’ work throughout September and 2020 thus far. In this interview series, we profile Board Director, Nav Chima, who shares his perspective on community-building and getting involved with SurreyCares.
Nav has worked as the Community Programs & Partnerships Director at Simon Fraser University for the past 20 years, supporting and developing campus-community partnerships. After stints living in the United Kingdom and travelling the world, he now resides in Surrey where his community-focused ethos drives his support for Surrey as a Board Director at SurreyCares. He shares with us how fulfilling it is to be involved in SurreyCares’ granting process, along with the community connection and growth he has experienced here.
Why is SurreyCares your community foundation of choice?
Simply put, SurreyCares’ vision and mission aligns closely to my own personal values. I’ve lived in Surrey for over 25 years. It’s grown a lot, but it’s wonderful to see how people in this community, through their time and resources, are supporting one another, building connections, and ultimately creating a caring city. This is what SurreyCares is all about!
What about the work of SurreyCares Community Foundation has fulfilled you most as a Board member?
I would have to say the opportunity to work on the granting process is a highlight. To be able to support Surrey organizations with their community programs is so rewarding. Yet, there’s so many that we’re not able to help – that’s tough. We have more work to do but have no doubt that we’ll get there!
In what ways has your connection to Surrey grown as a board member for SurreyCares?
Since becoming a board member, I’ve grown my network of local business, government and community leaders and have met people from all walks of life that are doing great work in our community. It doesn’t get much better than this.
How do you hope Community Foundations Month will help SurreyCares’ vision of a giving, connected community?
Community Foundations Month is an opportunity for recognition of the work community foundations are doing right across Canada and Surrey in particular. SurreyCares has been supporting local community programs and initiatives for over 25 years, and now and into the future, SurreyCares is supporting the fastest growing community in British Columbia. Each and every year, SurreyCares makes a difference in so many people’s lives. It’s important to celebrate this and let people know how they can lend a hand.
Is there anything else you would like our community to know about you or SurreyCares?
SurreyCares is a grassroots organization that is always looking to do more and do it better. I don’t say this lightly, but when you work with and support SurreyCares, you can rest assured that you’re making a difference. I’ve lived in many places around the world and seen many things, and what I can say is that I feel lucky to live in a part of the world where people care for one another. I’m very proud to call Surrey my home and to be part of the SurreyCares team.
Learn more about our Board of Directors at https://www.surreycares.org/our-people-1.