Mahira (left) and Kalyn at their online match meeting
Every year Spark presents the Spark Outstanding Pro Bono Award at the Volunteer Manitoba Volunteer Awards Gala. We look forward to this day every year because it gives us a chance to recognize some of our volunteers and the impact their pro bono work has on the community, as well as celebrate volunteerism in Manitoba.
From now until awards night, we are celebrating the nominees for the Spark Outstanding Pro Bono Award, and their contributions to their community through a series of volunteer profiles.
Today we are profiling Kalyn Murdock!
Kalyn is nominated for her mentorship work with Acorn Family Place.
Acorn Family Place (AFP) provides “a broad range of programs and resources aimed at providing support, enhancing education, and fostering community. [They] believe in working together to strengthen children and families on the challenging journey of living and growing.”
In 2024, Mahira, the Fund Development Officer at Acorn Family Place, approached Spark about a potential mentorship. Mahira had extensive experience with fundraising but lacked a Canadian context. She wanted someone experienced in fundraising that could help guide her in her new role.
With Kalyn’s expertise and an approach to mentorship that is “rooted in guidance, encouragement, and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential,” we knew she would be a perfect fit.
Kalyn and Mahira met once a month for one year. They also correspond via email and phone calls in between meetings as needed.
Mahira reported that “under [Kalyn’s] mentorship, I accomplished significant milestones. I successfully developed a Case for Support, an essential fundraising document for AFP, which was the first of its kind for the organization. Additionally, I created a comprehensive fundraising strategy that laid a foundation for AFP’s long-term growth. Kalyn’s guidance extended beyond strategy and documentation; she also helped me design a donor tracking management system from scratch, a crucial tool for improving donor engagement and relationship management.”
Kalyn also guided Mahira while she planned AFP’s first-ever fashion show fundraiser. “Kalyn contributed significantly to its success- offering ideas, connecting me with key individuals, and even securing in-kind donations for the auction. Her commitment turned the event into a triumph, raising vital funds for AFP and elevating its profile in the community.”
In addition to helping make connections to foundations and donors, Kalyn also helped Mahira secure grants for the organization. “These funds have allowed Acorn Family Place to continue offering critical resources, such as mental health support, parenting programs, and holistic services like the WrapAround program, which addresses the unique needs of families involved with or at right of involvement with Child and Family Services.”
At the end of the match, Mahira reflected further on the mentorship and said that “Kalyn’s support has directly enhanced the lives of children and families in West Broadway. Her efforts have ensured that essential community programs remain accessible, empowering families to thrive and fostering a stronger sense of belonging and well-being within the community.”
Thank you Kalyn for your amazing mentorship with Mahira and Acorn Family Place!
Read more about our nominees here! Maisie, Andrew and Jory!
Recent Comments