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“The work being conducted by McMaster’s Physical Activity Centre of Excellence is truly nothing short of excellent.”

The work being conducted by McMaster’s Physical Activity Centre of Excellence is truly nothing short of excellent. It’s always so inspiring to see clients first arrive, often feeling a little low or defeated by their bodies and leaving feeling like they have so much they can accomplish. Working as a volunteer in PACE for the past two years has undoubtedly been one of my favourite aspects of my undergraduate degree because not only does it make you feel like you're making a difference, but it’s amazing to be surrounded by individuals working so hard to improve their health. Time and time again, I’ve had clients gush about how much this place means to them, and how much stronger they feel because of PACE, both physically and mentally. I’ve never heard of a program quite like PACE, and it’s clear that it’s not only touched me, but so many others in our community.

“To this day I still visit clients both inside and outside the PACE on a regular basis as I truly do consider them friends.”

My name is Andrew Mikhail and I’m a former volunteer and staff member at the PACE. My first experience with PACE was after my first year of undergrad when I began volunteering in the MacWheelers exercise program. I truly enjoyed my summer volunteering there, helping out the clients in a very friendly and supportive environments. I found myself wanting to be there more often and it didn’t feel like a “volunteering task” but more of a place where I can come socialize with clients while helping them follow their exercise programs. During my second year, I increased my volunteer shifts to 3-4 times per week where I got to know more of the lovely clients and previous staff. During May 2016, I had the honour of being hired as a staff member for the MSFITT and MacWheelers program. I can confidently say that it was my favourite employment. Aside from building on my friendships with both staff and clients, I was able to have more responsibilities and further help clients by creating individualized exercise programs and leading one on one sessions on specialized equipment such as the lokomat and Zero-G. Unfortunately, I am no longer a staff member at PACE after beginning my master’s degree, but my experience there will stay with me forever. Many of the skills I learned at PACE including good clinical practice and modifying exercises to fit an individual have really helped me in my graduate studies while organizing my own research studies. To this day I still visit clients both inside and outside the PACE on a regular basis as I truly do consider them friends.

“PACE will always be close to my heart and be an organization that I support but most importantly, it will remain a home away from home.”

I had a dual role at PACE, my responsibilities included being both a Student Program Assistant and the Volunteer Coordinator for the East gym. My “on-floor” work as a Student Program Assistant was instrumental in developing my communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities. Being given the unique privilege of working with special populations, such as those inflicted with spinal cord injuries or those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, allowed me to become a better person and professional. By working with these populations and listening to their stories, I was able to become a more empathic and grateful person. My “off-floor” role as the Volunteer Coordinator granted me the opportunity to understand the administrative work that goes into successfully running a functional clinic. Having to train and manage 120 volunteers year-round was not an easy task but thankfully due to the overwhelming support and guidance from the senior leadership, I was able to fulfill my role to a high standard. Without the help of Stu, Colleen, Angelica, and other staff, I would have not been able to bring volunteer participation from 15 volunteers to over 100 in one year. Through my work, I have gained some invaluable skills and have met some incredible people with strength and motivation that precedes my own. PACE will always be close to my heart and be an organization that I support but most importantly, it will remain a home away from home.