Kirsti Creaser’s future success is sure to benefit those around.
The 19-year-old Thompson Rivers University student is dedicated to transforming lives for the better through volunteerism.
She has been working with the non-profit Enactus Thompson Rivers to provide young mothers with leadership, financial management and life skills.
And last week, that work made her one of the first recipients of the Scotiabank Bright Future Young Leaders award.
As part of her award, she will be invited to present a $2,500 Scotiabank donation in her name to a charity of her choice — she’s already decided it will go to Enactus. She will also receive a tablet computer.
Originally from Campbell River, Creaser is one of only six from across Canada chosen for the recognition.
“I basically spent the entire day crying with my roommate,” she said of her reaction to the news. “You put in so much work with all the people I work with. Every time any of us get recognized for what we do it’s just such a fulfilling and amazing moment.”
Creaser is among 80 students and six faculty members who dedicated 13,812 volunteer hours this past year to help more than 220 people turn their lives around.
“Our team aims to make a deep impact on people in the greatest need,” states Enactus literature.
Having nearly completed her second year at TRU, Creaser has applied to the school’s social work program to continue on the path of helping individuals and families.
Winners of the 2012 Bright Future Young Leaders award were required to complete 100 hours of volunteerism in a minimum of three of the bank’s six philanthropic pillars and submit an essay describing the impact of their volunteerism on charitable organizations, their community and themselves.
The award was also given to six international youth leaders.
“These young people represent the next generation of community leaders and remind us of the essential role of volunteers to the long-term operation of charitable organizations,” said Sylvia Chrominska, group head, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank.
