About Volunteer Lethbridge

We accomplish this by

connecting volunteers with ideal volunteer opportunities so they can make an impact

supporting non-profit organizations with expertise, experience and advocacy

Our volunteers

1,900+

Registered volunteers

1,250

Active volunteers

Our 2023

915

Volunteers referred

726

Volunteer applications

Our 5 pillars

Advocacy

We pave the way for volunteers and organizations by advocating for their needs in the halls of power.

Convening

We bring together various stakeholders in the community so they can make a bigger impact.

Volunteer Management

We help organizations find the help they need to make a change in their community.

Internal Operational Excellence

We strive to operate to the best of our ability so our partners can do the same.

Capacity Building

We build up member organizations so they can have a bigger impact on our community.

Find a volunteer opportunity

Become a member

Our Mission

Volunteer Lethbridge builds connections and empowers individuals and organizations to enhance volunteerism and grow volunteer capacity.

Our Vision

We pave the way for volunteers and organizations by advocating for their needs in the halls of power.

Our Team

Office Manager

Shelley Ducheminsky

Get To Know Shelley

“Volunteer Lethbridge gets me most excited about creating opportunity! Not only for me, but for the entire community.”

Our veritable numbers wizard, Shelley collects, monitors and records financial information for Volunteer Lethbridge. She keeps us accountable by ensuring we are utilizing our financial resources in accordance to financial controls, budget, terms of grants and funding, and ultimately, maintaining compliance with statutory requirements. Shelley is also responsible for booking meeting rooms, and fostering our relationship with the University of Lethbridge.

Shelley began her journey with Volunteer Lethbridge seven years ago as a volunteer herself, filling in as a receptionist. Her open-mindedness to opportunity and change, as well as her willingness to help out in any area turned her volunteer position into a full-time gig, which eventually transitioned into her current position. She holds a diploma in Office Administration, and is trained as a Payroll Compliance Practitioner.

Shelley can be reached at:
office@volunteerlethbridge.com

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

Nicole Bosh

Get To Know Nicole

Nicole’s enthusiasm shines through in everything she does.

She is excited to be a part of Volunteer Lethbridge, and working with member agencies as the Membership Manager.

Nicole has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 20 years, and has been an active volunteer the majority of her life. She believes that volunteerism is an essential part of our community.

Nicole holds a B.A. in History from the University of Alberta - Augustana Campus, and a diploma in Print Journalism from Lethbridge College.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” ― Helen Keller

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Jaixann Persigas

Get To Know Jaixann

My name is Jaixann (pronounced [ ʤɛ́jksan ] or JAYK-san), and I just graduated from the University of Lethbridge last June 2023! I graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Neuroscience. I am also an active volunteer at Chinook Regional Hospital since 2019. My family and I migrated here to Canada from the Philippines in 2016, and we have been living here in Lethbridge since then. My hobbies are usually indoor activities like baking and gaming, but I also like photography. In addition, I love animals, especially those that are too adorable to ignore (otters, capybaras, dogs, cats, you name it!).

My role at Volunteer Lethbridge is the Volunteer Coordinator and I look forward to sharing my thoughts and ideas with the team and the community and learning more (maybe surprising) things about the Lethbridge community!

Noah Bay

Operational and human resources coordinator

Get To Know Noah

I'm an avid outdoors enthusiast who thrives on the beauty of nature, whether it's hiking in the woods or playing hockey on a frozen pond. When I'm not out and about, I'm exploring the cosmos through my fascination with space or diving into the virtual worlds of video games. My passion for continuous learning leads me to educational podcasts that expand my horizons.

At home, I share my space with Tigger, my beloved feline companion. My deep-seated passion for childcare, leadership, and health and safety has inspired my academic journey at the University of Lethbridge, where I'm studying Human Resources and Labor Relations. I'm thrilled to be part of the dynamic team at Volunteer Lethbridge, where I can channel my energy into community engagement and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Ludwig Moelbert

Municipal Advocate

Get To Know Ludwig

Ludwig is a vibrant and passionate University of Lethbridge student who is dedicating his summer semester to serving as the Municipal Policy Advocate for Volunteer Lethbridge. In this role, he is committed to fostering strong relationships with municipal councilors and employees, while diligently considering the diverse wants and needs of all non-profit organizations in Lethbridge.

With a deep-rooted passion for social justice, Ludwig approaches his work with a fervent desire to affect positive change within the local community. His larger-than-life personality is infectious, and his genuine enthusiasm for making a difference is truly inspiring. Those who have the opportunity to collaborate with Ludwig can expect an engaging and fantastic experience, fueled by his unwavering commitment to the cause.

Shima Asghari

Volunteer Coordinator

Get To Know Shima

Shima Asghari is a dedicated volunteer with a passion for community engagement, leadership, and mentorship. With experience supervising volunteers, coordinating events, and organizing advocacy workshops, she thrives in fostering inclusive spaces. As the Co-founder and President of the Persian Club, she enhanced volunteer engagement and public outreach.

Beyond volunteering, Shima enjoys photography, Pilates, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She is eager to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to Volunteer Lethbridge and make a positive impact in the community.

Board of Directors 2025 - 2026

President

David Reeve

Get To Know David

David Reeve has had the opportunity to provide leadership development for many organizations over the past 20 years. These organizations include Tempur Canada and London Health Sciences Centre. Currently he is a regional manager for a worldwide non-profit organization that assists individuals become self-reliant. His background includes hands on experience in both operational and human resources management, in the public and private sectors. He holds a Master’s in Leadership.

DIRECTOR

Lori Harasem

Get To Know Lori

Lori Harasem is passionate about volunteering. Having volunteered for dozens of local organizations in roles ranging from event day to governance roles, she understands the important role volunteers play in making our community welcoming, inclusive, and diverse, which she truly values.

She has worked as a volunteer coordinator in the not-for-profit sector, as well as an event and fund development specialist. She then spent a decade working in municipal government supporting not-for-profits with their own fund development, oversaw most of the City of Lethbridge not for profit grants, and sat (and still does) on many grant review committees. She also supported groups with marketing, volunteer recruitment and retention support, and sustainability concerns.

She works at Lethbridge College as the Health Promotion Coordinator, where she ensures that the campus community has access to support and resources for mental, physical, and social well-being, which includes connection to many local not-for-profits and the greater Lethbridge community.

Treasurer

Richard Low

Get To Know Richard

I have been a member of the Board of Directors of Volunteer Lethbridge for just over a year. My wife Gayle and I moved to Lethbridge after my graduation from the University of Alberta Law School in 1980, and have lived here ever since, raising all of our seven children here. We now are blessed to include 28 grandchildren in the family, the most recent being born March 1st, 2024.

I am now semi-retired from my law practise and have served on various boards and with other community organizations, including a number of years as a member of the Provincial Board of Directors of the Duke of Edinburgh award, which is a youth challenge program sponsored by members of the Royal Family, involving outdoor adventures, and community service.

In addition, I have served in various capacities as a leader and area trainer for Scouts Canada, and I received my 35 year service pin. My wife Gayle and I recently returned from a three-year volunteer service mission for our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, during which time we were stationed in Eastern Canada, and were responsible for approximately 200 young adults ages 18-25 who were serving volunteer missions, including a significant component of community service. As such, we were involved in connecting them with various community organizations all over the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and PEI.

My wife Gayle and I are also presently serving as the Communication Directors for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the Southern Alberta Region, and we are responsible for the JustServe plaltform, which is a free application sponsored by the Church, devoted to generating more community volunteers to support non profit organizations, and which works together with Volunteer Lethbridge in various initiatives in the region.

I feel that my main strength I can bring to the Board is an appreciation and understanding of the importance of community based, charitable and non profit organizations such as Volunteer Lethbridge ,in order to assist the most vulnerable sectors of our population. I have seen first hand the power and positive influence of doing volunteer work, especially in the lives of young people, and I feel I can help Volunteer Lethbridge achieve its objectives through my life’s experiences and genuine concern for others.

DIRECTOR

Graeme Dearden

Get To Know Graeme

Graeme Dearden is an Albertan artist and nonprofit worker based in Edmonton. Graeme currently works for Volunteer Alberta as Manager of Learning and Resources, where they manage programs focused on research and resource development related to volunteerism and civic engagement. In their off-time, Graeme practices as an artist, creating drawings and screen-prints.

Graeme spends their off-time cooking, baking, listening to podcasts, finding new music to listen to, and rewatching old episodes of Deep Space Nine with their partner.

Secretary

Moya Johnson

Get To Know Moya

Moya Johnson recently migrated to Lethbridge from Jamaica with her loving husband and children. She is currently pursuing a second Masters of Arts in Cultural, Social and Political Thought Program at the University of Lethbridge. Her thesis research focuses on craft production among persons living with disabilities in the Mustard Seed Community. Moya is an ongoing volunteer at the U of L and is a recent Board of Director at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.

Currently holding an MA in Heritage Studies from the University of West Indies, Mona; as an educator at the secondary and post-secondary levels in the Humanities and Social Sciences, she thrives on public service by helping others achieve independent living and belonging. Additionally she has over 20 years experience in the handicraft industry, specializing in souvenirs and corporate gift items comprising of pottery, leather craft and fashion jewelry. This has afforded her the opportunity to incorporate her artistic and event planning skills with teaching by conducting craft workshops, coordinating heritage celebrations and organizing exhibits for all age groups.

With a heart of volunteerism, Moya is passionate about family, arts and culture, community engagement, as well as serving vulnerable and marginalized groups in society. She enjoys cooking, dancing and long walks with her pet Shih Poo, Theodore. However anyone that knows her well, knows that Moya is a Trekkie at heart who loves to binge watch any of the 12 series in the Star Trek franchise on lazy evenings.

Director

Ali Siees

Get To Know Ali

Ali is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in community engagement and nonprofit work. Having worked at United Way and Family Centre as a Marketing and Communication Coordinator, Ali has developed a knack for driving impactful initiatives and building meaningful connections.

Volunteer Lethbridge was the first place to follow his passion for volunteering and community engagement as soon as he started making Lethbridge his new home.

His leadership journey began during his university years, where he served as the President of the Student Union and a Board Member. He is passionate about social entrepreneurship and strives to integrate this approach into the nonprofit sector, leveraging his business degree background. With a keen focus on supporting causes related to social entrepreneurship and community empowerment, Ali brings a unique perspective and expertise to the community.

Ali is deeply committed to volunteering, reflecting his genuine desire to give back to the community and empower others. His collaborative approach and drive to make a difference make him a valuable asset in any endeavor.

In his free time, Ali enjoys exploring creative pursuits and fostering connections within his community. His genuine passion for making a difference drives his ongoing commitment to meaningful community engagement, wherever he may be."

Director

Heather Gauthier

Get To Know Heather

Heather has worked in the non-profit sector for 16 years at the Lethbridge Public Library. Before that, she had a successful career in the hospitality industry, where she held senior management positions.

While she has always enjoyed volunteering, most of her time has been spent at the Henderson Lake parkrun in Lethbridge. It was there, at the age of 54, that she accidentally discovered her love for running and quickly developed a strong passion for it. One of her greatest achievements was running a marathon in her hometown of Vancouver, where she improved her previous marathon time by 38 minutes.

Heather believes that you can accomplish anything you want if you want it badly enough and that volunteering is important because, ultimately, we will all get by with a little help from our friends.

Director

Aileen Burke

Get To Know Aileen

Aileen is the Director of the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (NPVS) at Alberta Counsel, a law and lobby firm based in Edmonton. An experienced advocate, researcher, facilitator, and communicator, she has been a part of creating and adapting policies and procedures and complex problem solving. With over 20 years of front-line management and volunteer experience, Aileen has significant nonprofit industry knowledge. Aileen pursued her master’s degree in political science from the University of Lethbridge, where her work focused on public policy and systems integration as it relates to the Housing First philosophy.

Director

Mark Serebryansky

Get To Know Mark

Mark Serebryansky's journey in Lethbridge exemplifies how experiential learning and community engagement can transform a student into a committed community leader. After moving to Lethbridge in 2016, Mark embraced opportunities at the University of Lethbridge that connected classroom learning with real-world impact through the Integrated Management Experience program and residence life Community Involvement Committee, where he discovered his passion for creating meaningful volunteer opportunities.
Mark brings valuable insight from his experience on both sides of the boardroom table. His board leadership includes serving on the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors and as President and Secretary of the Southern Alberta Self-Help Association (SASHA), where he guided strategic planning and managed successful fundraising initiatives. This governance experience is complemented by his professional roles supporting board operations at the Lethbridge & District Exhibition and Economic Development Lethbridge. Through these positions and his time as ULSU VP Operations and Finance, Mark developed strong advocacy skills, engaging effectively with municipal and provincial decision-makers.
Now serving as the Governance and External Relations Officer at the University of Lethbridge Students' Union, Mark applies his expertise in corporate governance and stakeholder relations to support student success. His professional journey, including experience as a Corporate Policy Analyst with the City of Lethbridge, demonstrates how work-integrated learning and community involvement play a vital role in retaining talented graduates. This combination of hands-on board governance experience and professional expertise allows him to contribute a well-rounded perspective while consistently seeking new ways to enhance Lethbridge's growth.

Director

Ashley Hiraga

Get To Know Ashley

Born and raised in Lethbridge I have always been passionate about my community and helping others. I enjoy volunteering and helping where I can.
I have volunteered with the YWCA, The heart and stroke foundation, Cure for the Cause Breast Cancer runs, MS society and more.
Having jobs in different industries over the years including working in the trucking industry to now being in the health and wellness sector. Customer service and socializing with people has always been a passion. I remember details and I think it helps me to relate and connect with people.
I am excited for this new journey with Volunteer Lethbridge.

Building Capacity, Connection & Community

We accomplish this by

Our volunteers

Our 2023

Our 5 pillars

Advocacy

Convening

Volunteer Management

Internal Operational Excellence

Capacity Building

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our Team

Office Manager

Shelley Ducheminsky

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

Nicole Bosh

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Jaixann Persigas

Noah Bay

Operational and human resources coordinator

Ludwig Moelbert

Municipal Advocate

Shima Asghari

Volunteer Coordinator

Board of Directors 2025 - 2026

President

David Reeve

DIRECTOR

Lori Harasem

Treasurer

Richard Low

DIRECTOR

Graeme Dearden

Secretary

Moya Johnson

Director

Ali Siees

Director

Heather Gauthier

Director

Aileen Burke

Director

Mark Serebryansky

Director

Ashley Hiraga

Volunteer Lethbridge

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