From community connector to social justice advocate: Sandy Falcon’s impactful journey of giving back
Topics: Ontario
April 14, 2023
Giving back to the community is a key part of Sandy’s life goals. As assistant manager with the Community Connector program in Simcoe-Muskoka, she is keen to grow the program that aims to reintroduce social connection and engagement for seniors.
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“My goal in life has always been to help people, I love the not-for-profit sector,” says Sandy.” The Red Cross is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world, that excited me because I can help sooo many people now.”
During the pandemic, she started a non-profit called Unknown Neighbours which assists temporary foreign workers access legal, social and health services in the community. Living and working in Simcoe-Muskoka, Sandy identified a need to make connections with migrant workers to give them a place to get information and know there is someone who is there to help them.
Sandy immigrated to Canada from Ecuador when she was a baby and knows the challenges new arrivals to Canada face every day.
“I often think of myself as a person who has sat on both sides of the table, looking for support and later providing support,” she says.
Sandy is well-positioned to help and she has continued to look for and pursue opportunities. Recently, Sandy graduated with her Masters Degree in Social Justice from Lakehead University – Orillia Campus.
“My education allowed me to better understand intersectionality and other social justice theories alongside my lived experience, I was able to connect with individuals on a personal and theoretical level.”
Her husband and four children were there to celebrate her achievement. When asked how she handles the busyness of life, she says:
“I’m driven by love - I do not feel tasked with work, volunteering, and family because I love every minute of it. It may be challenging at times BUT my love of the impact and people I am supporting in any capacity fuels me and it’s the best feeling in the world.”
Congratulations to Sandy on her achievements! We are so pleased you are part of the Red Cross team!
Click here to learn more about Sandy’s journey!
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