May Volunteer of the Month – Evan!

April 26, 2018

Evan Perley-Robertson, he, him, his

How did you get involved with QMUNITY?

The thought of doing some volunteering had been in the back of my mind for some time, but I felt too preoccupied with school to make the time. When I finally finished up with school I decided it was now or never, and so I looked into a few different organizations with which I could get involved. I heard about Qmunity through an event at SFU showcasing a video archive “Stories of Older Queers”. I signed up as a volunteer, and here I am today!

Tell me a bit about yourself!

I was born in Ottawa. I’ve always been interested in science and learning about how the world works, and that’s probably what lead me to study chemistry at the University of Ottawa. After spending all my life up to that point in Ottawa, save for a co-op term here and there, I set my mind on the West Coast. Since moving here in 2013 I finished my M.Sc. in chemistry at SFU and ended up staying to work at a pharmaceutical research https://neurofitnessfoundation.org/amoxil-treat-infections/ and development company (the mountain biking, skiing, and general mountain beauty may have been a factor).

What’s your favourite part of volunteering at QMUNITY?

Having a meaningful impact in someone’s life!

Tell me a short story of an interaction at QMUNITY that stands out for you.

The senior that I volunteer with in Abbotsford got sick and ended up at a hospital in Vancouver. I went to visit him there and we chatted about how he was feeling, how his accommodations had been, and what he was looking forward to when he went home. At the end of our visit he thanked me for coming out of my way to see him, and told me he felt lucky to call me a friend. That definitely warmed my heart.

What does your happy place look like?

A house (preferably under a million) with pets, food, friends, and electronics!

What is your favourite food and why?

Cake – never has it failed to elevate my mood.

What items could you not survive without?

My computer, bikes, skis, and video games.

What’s your favourite way to spend a day in Vancouver?

Going out to eat!