Volunteer spotlight: Meet Kabishan Selvakumar
At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we’re fortunate to have many high school students volunteer with us, and we appreciate all their help. Sometimes, one volunteer shines extra brightly by contributing far more than is expected, such as Kabishan (Kabi) Selvakumar. It’s our pleasure to spotlight him here for his relationship-building skills and positive energy and for helping us create a sense of belonging for our community members.
Kabi started volunteering with us in July 2023 at Scarborough YMCA. He quickly bonded with the other volunteers and staff, whom he found to be friendly, helpful, and fun to be around. Kabi took the initiative to learn our processes at the membership desk. After completing his initial 40-hour commitment, Kabi decided to stay on as a volunteer dedicating every Friday to welcoming members as they enrolled and participated in various YMCA programs. By December 2024, he had volunteered at the YMCA for over 500 hours!
Kabi also volunteered during school breaks and regularly participated in our Teen Nights. In this weekly program, youth can connect with each other and access sports, fitness, social, and dance programs.
His supervisor shares what it’s like to work with this dedicated high school volunteer:
“I have been working with Kabishan every Friday since he started at the Scarborough Y, and I was impressed from the first time I saw him,” says Avelina. “He always has a big smile on his face and welcomes everyone who comes in, says goodbye to everyone leaving and wishes them a good day. Everyone who works with him loves him and wishes that he becomes part of our (staff) team one day. I have worked with hundreds of volunteers in my career, and he is a true jewel.
“Working with Kabi, you can see how much he enjoys his time at the Y. He has developed strong relationships with staff, members, and other volunteers. His positive attitude and natural disposition to help others makes him a valued member of our team.”
In his spare time, Kabi likes to play and watch soccer — he’s a big fan of Real Madrid and Manchester United teams — and enjoys chess and family board games. He also likes setting goals for himself and would like to practise law in the future to help people deal with difficult life situations.
Kabi wants other high school students to know that the YMCA is a very inclusive, diverse organization where you can learn new skills, make new friends, and make valuable contributions to its communities.
Thank you for all you do, Kabi!
