“The joy of making others feel welcome”

							Gift Thompson
West End YMCA

“The joy of making others feel welcome”
Ask Cyclefit enthusiasts at the West End Y and they’ll tell you that volunteer
instructor Gift Thompson is, well, a gift. “She has this amazing ability to make
everyone feel welcome in her class,” says participant Liz Stinson. “She manages to
turn what could be a routine workout into an upbeat, challenging experience.”

Gift herself says she was inspired to volunteer because the West End Y is a real
community, a place where stay-at-home moms like herself could enjoy the
company of others while also keeping fit. After mentoring with volunteer
Anthula Nunes, Gift became a volunteer herself in 2005. A whole list of things
keeps her commitment level high, she explains. “I enjoy teaching such an
excellent fitness routine and I appreciate the positive feedback from members. I
use volunteering as a way to instil in my children the joy of making others feel
welcome, and I love contributing to the social network here at our Y.” She adds,
“it’s a life-saver for stay-at-home moms!”