It’s National Volunteer Week in the International Volunteer Year 2026, and we’re celebrating our volunteers at DIVERSEcity
This National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026), we’re celebrating the ways people “ignite volunteerism” — the theme of the United Nations International Volunteer Year 2026. Today, we want to spotlight DIVERSEcity’s Balvant Thaker, who volunteers as a Teaching Assistant in LINC classes and is also a volunteer in our annual Income Tax Clinic.
Originally from India, Balvant brings years of experience as an accounting professional. When he first arrived in Canada, DIVERSEcity became an important part of his settlement journey, especially when it came to improving his English language skills.
“English was not even my second language when I first arrived in Canada,” he says. “It was difficult in the beginning, but I didn’t give up. I worked hard and successfully completed my CLB Level 6 at DIVERSEcity, and it made a big difference in my life.”
That experience stayed with him. Today, Balvant gives back to the same LINC community that supported him — using his skills to help others navigate their own journeys.
“Volunteering at DIVERSEcity has touched my life in a very personal way. When I first came to Canada, I felt supported, encouraged and welcomed in my LINC classes. Returning as a volunteer feels like coming back to the place where I found my confidence,” he says.
Whether it’s supporting English learners, or using his accounting skills to help low-income Surrey residents file their income taxes, he says, “Helping newcomers, seniors and families gives me a strong sense of purpose. Every time I guide someone or make their day a little easier, I feel more connected to my community and more at home in Canada. Volunteering hasn’t just supported my career. It has helped me grow as a person and reminded me how meaningful it is to give back.”
More than just giving back, he adds: “It gives me a deep sense of purpose and pride to contribute to the community that welcomed me and helped me grow.”