Florence's Story

By Florence Mahabir

My name is Florence Mahabir, and in the summer of 2012, I was given the opportunity to participate in the Playing for Keeps (P4K) Volunteer Training at George Brown College. It was a fun and exciting experience for me. I especially enjoyed the Event Planning portion of the sessions, as well as the chance to do some networking. I met so many people from across the GTA, and even from my neighbourhood, many of whom I still keep in contact with. 2 weeks after my training, I got the opportunity to go back to school to upgrade myself. I was accepted into the Office Clerk Diploma Program at Working Skills Centre (WSC).

As a P4K ambassador, I was one of the many volunteers for the 2012 Ontario Summer Games, which in itself was an amazing event to be a part of. 

In April of 2013, I graduated from Working Skills Centre, and the job search began. When WSC became a hub for P4K, they needed someone who knew what P4K was all about and who could represent WSC diligently. So a Volunteer Coordinator position opened up, and my Employment Services Manager, Susana Parise instantly thought of me. She mentioned to the Executive Director of WSC that I did the training, and the very same day, June 18, 2013, I received the call from Honey Crossley with the job offer. So by doing the training for myself, it has led me to become the new Volunteer Coordinator for Working skills Centre and the liaison for P4K. I will now represent WSC at all Playing for Keeps events.

My journey has now begun, as I was a stay- at- home mom on and off for 17 years. So with thanks to Playing for Keeps and Working Skills Centre for the wonderful kick start, I hope that I can give back to them and the community, as they have given to me.