Foundation Volunteers

Volunteer with Us!

The mission of The Centennial Infant and Child Centre Foundation is to actively engage the community in supporting programs and services that enhance the development of children with special needs and strengthen the families and caregivers who support them.

Our Foundation volunteers bring expertise in marketing, communications, social media, fundraising, and asset development. Their support is critical in building awareness, expanding our reach, and strengthening our impact. If you are interested in using your skills to support children with disabilities and their families, we would love to hear from you.

Our Foundation Board of Directors plays a vital leadership role as an active, working fundraising board. Board members are deeply engaged—providing strategic oversight while also championing the organization through fundraising and community connection. We are always seeking passionate, committed individuals who are ready to contribute their time, expertise, and networks to advance our mission.

To learn more or get involved, please contact Melissa Syme at msyme@cicc.on.ca or 647-286-7039.

If you are interested in volunteering directly with children in our CICC Preschool, please visit the Centre’s Volunteer page. A unique feature of CICC’s preschool is our Volunteer Program, where more than 70 dedicated adults provide 1:1 support to children in the classroom throughout the year. This ensures that every child can fully participate in program activities, regardless of their developmental needs.

We welcome you to be part of this meaningful and rewarding experience.

Meet Our Volunteer Team

Our incredible volunteers are the heart and soul of the CICC Foundation. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to our mission make everything we do possible. Each volunteer brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that strengthen our community and amplify our impact. We’re honored to work alongside these amazing individuals who generously donate their time and talents to make a difference.

Juan Merlano

I'm Juan Merlano, a photographer, advertiser and digital marketing professional who moved to Toronto from Colombia in 2023. I love capturing stories through images, using creativity to support causes that matter, and implementing strategies to effectively communicate the mission and purpose of organizations that impact communities and people's lives.

Why are you volunteering for the CICC Foundation?

“I began volunteering at the CICC Foundation, taking photographs during an event hosted in 2024, where I met the wonderful people behind the Foundation and the Centre. I was captivated by the stories of the families and children who thrive with their support, how their lives are transformed daily, and the passion and love they put into every effort to break the limitations of disabilities..”

How do you volunteer for the CICC Foundation?

“Currently, I am volunteering with the CICC Foundation as part of my Co-op placement for a Digital Marketing Postgraduate Diploma, contributing to a magnificent group of volunteers who aim tostrategically communicate the CICC Foundation’s mission, bring it closer to the community and create new opportunities to help it keep transforming lives.”

Betsy Sam

Creative by nature and purpose-driven marketing enthusiast. I've worked across marketing and client engagement roles to gain experience in content marketing, brand management, and campaign execution. Volunteering with CICC allowed me to blend my skills with a cause I care about while growing both professionally and personally and organizations that create meaningful impact to the community.

Why are you volunteering for the CICC Foundation?

“Volunteering with CICCF allows me to combine my passion for creativity and a chance to support important work while also developing my expertise, and stay actively involved in meaningful community-building efforts. I value the chance to grow while making a positive impact”

How do you volunteer for the CICC Foundation?

“I volunteer by creating graphics assets, supporting campaign executions, and contributing to content strategies. I also lend a hand wherever needed to general events and promotions as needed.”

Zainab Ope

My name is Zainab Ope, and I am a dedicated volunteer at the Centennial Infant and Child Centre Foundation (CICCF) in Toronto, Ontario. I contribute my skills to support CICCF's mission of empowering children with complex developmental challenges. My involvement focuses on enhancing the organization's outreach and engagement efforts.

Why are you volunteering for the CICC Foundation?

“I volunteer because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that meaningful change begins with investing in their early development. CICCF allows me to merge my professional expertise with a cause I deeply care about. The organization’s commitment to providing individualized programs and support to children and their families resonates with my values. By contributing to CICCF’s initiatives, I aim to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these children and help raise awareness about the importance of early intervention and inclusive education.”

How do you volunteer for the CICC Foundation?

“I volunteer in the Marketing and Communications department at CICC. In this role, I assist in developing and implementing strategies to promote the organization’s programs and services. This includes creating content for various platforms, managing social media outreach, and supporting fundraising campaigns. My efforts are geared towards increasing community engagement and ensuring that CICCF’s message reaches a broader audience.”

Adrian Agrippa

I am a data-driven communications professional with a background in business enablement and non-profit organization support. I hold a Bachelor’s of Arts and a post-graduate certificate in Strategic Public Relations from the University of Toronto, and have a passion for championing accessibility and inclusion in work and life.

Why are you volunteering for the CICC Foundation?

“I am inspired by the work that is done at CICC. I spend a considerable amount of time reading family testimonies and newsletters, watching videos and learning about all of the amazing staff, who are dedicated, knowledgeable experts. The teams at CICC and CICC Foundation remind me that there are organizations who exist with a mandate to do good, and knowing that the work I do can aid in their success inspires me to build a career that invests in the future of those around me.”

How do you volunteer for the CICC Foundation?

“At CICC Foundation, I am an integrated communications strategist. I partner with the CICC Foundation staff and volunteers to build, execute and analyze a comprehensive communications plans that socialize the mission, vision and impact of the work done by CICC.”

Volunteer with Us!