2024 RECIPIENT ZAIN HIRJI he/him/his Volunteer

I remember my first day volunteering with the NSSRC in November 2021 at Amica Edgemont. We were sitting around the tables having our morning conversation and introductions with cookies and coffee (Anita’s favourite!). After introducing myself, Tula loudly welcomed me with her hands held high by saying “Zara, warrior princess!” Although I have since transitioned, I still appreciate the sentiment. Right off the bat, I could feel the group’s care and support for each other because of how much they poked fun at each other. I’m not sure what I was expecting on my first day but I definitely wasn’t expecting to feel like I was in a sit-com. That’s when I knew I had chosen the right place to volunteer.

Since then I have grown and learned many lessons. As this community has more life experience than I do, I appreciate all the advice, recipes and stories everyone (members, facilitators, volunteers) shares with me. The NSSRC community has helped shape my overall understanding of the diverse impacts and recovery timelines following a stroke. I still have lots to learn but I am grateful for my experience with everyone at the NSSRC as it helped create a solid foundation that I aim to build upon.