December 7, 2006
Combined Fund Drive: UW staffer a big influence on littler ones through volunteering
Editor’s note: This is the last in a series of profiles University Week has run of UW staff members volunteering for agencies that receive funding through the Combined Fund Drive. The drive was to have ended on Dec. 4 but got a few days of extension due to the recent inclement weather. You now have until Dec. 11 to help your favorite charities. You can give online at: http://www.washington.edu/uwcfd/give.html.
Name: Erick Winger
UW Position: Financial Desktop Client Services Lead in Financial Accounting
Volunteer activity: I am a “big” through Big Brother’s and Big Sister’s of King County
Organization’s mission: The organization matches “bigs” with “littles” (or youth) who need an adult influence in their lives. There are a few different varieties of the program. I am matched with a “little” through the program that matches “littles” who have one or more incarcerated parents with a “big” in the community.
How long a volunteer for this agency: I’ve been a big brother for just over a year. My little brother, Carlos, is 10 years old and has a 2-year-old brother and a 3-year old sister. The three of them live with a single foster mother.
Why this activity? I grew up with adult influences that were not my parents and they have made the difference in my life. In particular, a man by the name of Chuck Jeu was a tremendous fatherly figure to me. Because of his friendship, I understand the power of these relationships.
A memorable experience while volunteering: My little brother Carlos and I went snow-tubing at Snoqualmie Pass. We have a lot of fun together in everything we do. On this particular trip Carlos, in passing, said to me that he would never have gotten to do this if it weren’t for us hanging out.
Satisfaction in volunteering: I have gotten to experience a whole year of a young man growing up and maturing, and it is noticeable. I can look back and see in what areas Carlos has matured, learned from me, and become aware of his actions. Plus, we have a ton of fun! It helps me just as much as him.
