Our awesome volunteers: Venus and Iris Pun wake up early to make a difference

By Ryley Murray
Communications Intern

“My sister volunteers at tons of events and she always ends up dragging me with her,” Venus laughs, her  19-year-old enthusiasm radiating through the phone.
“I didn’t know what to expect at the CN Tower Climb and I was actually a little nervous but the WWF staff were all so helpful and they made me feel comfortable right away. The enthusiasm of the climbers was totally contagious too,” she says.  “Even though I was so tired, being around all that energy got my adrenalin going and I said to myself, If they’re so determined to climb the tower I have to give them my enthusiasm. I have to help them reach their goals!”

(c) Ken Mak/WWF-Canada
Venus, a business student at the University of Toronto, was brought to the climb by her older sister, Iris, who had volunteered in 2010 with a similar enthusiasm. Iris works at Me to We as an administrative coordinator for the organization’s school and youth program. She also volunteers her time for the Green Party of Canada, the Cardiac Health Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
When asked how she finds time to do her real job – let alone have fun – amidst all her volunteered hours, she replies, “Well some people will get up early in the morning to go shopping for great deals because that’s what they like.  I like to get up early and work for organizations that bring awareness to making a difference. I’m just doing what I can to help.”
And according to our volunteer coordinator, Venus and Iris were a huge help over the course of the two day adrenalin-driven event. Both sisters switched roles a few times to pitch in wherever they were needed, making everyone around them happy with their effervescence and easy-going nature.
Both girls have said they’d love to come back to the climb next year and help out again. Venus, who loves sports and spends her free time training to run marathons, is even thinking about climbing the tower. Who knows, maybe Venus can talk her older sister into taking the challenge with her? Whether they’re climbing the tower, helping out with registration, or putting up artwork in the staircase, we are so grateful to have these two on our volunteer team!