Remarkable Edlira

Meet Edlira, affectionately known as Eda, a truly remarkable and committed volunteer at World Vision Canada.

“We were fortunate to meet Eda in November of 2023 when she signed up to volunteer at the Let’s Play Day event,” says Cynthia Hove, World Vision’s Volunteer Management Specialist. “From my first interaction with Eda, I could tell she has a heart for World Vision and for children. She’s since worked on several different projects for different teams.”

Edlira is fueled by her love for children.

“I am a proud mother of a delightful three-year-old daughter, which helps me understand, see and perceive the world of children as beautiful and precious as it is, no matter who the kids are or where they live,” she explains. “I am committed to ensuring that every child experiences a peaceful, safe and memorable childhood.”

A passion grown through firsthand experience

Edlira’s volunteer spirit was first sparked following the devastating 2019 earthquake in her home country of Albania. In the aftermath, Edlira worked for three years mobilizing resources to build a new home for the family of a five-month-old baby girl, Derajna, who touched Eda’s heart after narrowly surviving the quake. Eda went on to collaborate with World Vision in Albania, supporting various child-focused projects and later became a member of their Advisory Council. She has a background in project management and communications within the field of international development. After relocating to Canada in September 2023, linking up with World Vision here in Canada made sense.

“The prospect of being part of a community that prioritizes the well-being of children motivates me every day,” says Eda. That motivation is a force that should be bottled and sold.

Commuting with a purpose

To put in the 12 hours of work Eda dedicates at the World Vision office in Mississauga every week, she must manage a four-part public transit route involving a streetcar, a subway and a bus—both ways. It’s a lot.

“During the bus rides, I remind myself, ‘Your work today will bring smiles to many children,’” she says. She does mental math during her menial tasks, pumping herself up with logic like, “In preparing nine boxes of 32 packs each day, you contribute to brightening the lives of 288 children somewhere in the world. How about that?’”

Her positivity is palpable.

Over her tenure as a volunteer, she’s contributed to several projects already. Among them, the Let’s Play Day event stands out because it brought her face-to-face with the joy of childhood, as families from the Toronto area participated in free educational activities including crafts and dancing.

“The event provided me with a profound sense of purpose and pride, reinforcing my decision to allocate my hours toward positively impacting children,” she says, while adding that all of her experiences have been enriching in their own ways.

For people considering volunteer work, Eda suggests to follow your passion and find a cause that aligns with your values.

“Meaningful impact comes only from genuine dedication and a willingness to learn and grow alongside the community you serve,” she says, before joking, “Act now, and sleep better later.”