“Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change their world.”
Mehak Januha, then a third-year UBC kinesiology student, was in a lecture when British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS) program manager Eric Molendyk came to speak about his work at the society. “I was so moved,” she remembered. “I really wanted to do my best and participate and interact with other people.”
That lecture ignited her desire to volunteer with individuals with disabilities, a community she hadn’t engaged with in the past. Since June 2024, Mehak has contributed 69 volunteer hours across three BCMOS programs. Her journey began with adaptive cycling and hiking, and the joy she found in both naturally led her to explore land volunteering with the paddling program as well.
Mehak described the BCMOS volunteer team as an incredibly encouraging and supportive group, one that effortlessly makes new volunteers feel welcome. Whether accompanying participants on scenic hikes to places like Spanish Banks, preparing adaptive bikes for cycling adventures, or assisting with loading kayaks to go out on the water, Mehak consistently connects with many individuals within the community. She shared that the quote “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change their world,” was a motto that fueled her dedication.
Mehak recalled one particular memorable interaction with a client who participated in cycling, hiking, and kayaking. This individual connected with the volunteers well, remembering their names and capturing videos with them while enjoying the programs. These engaged clients truly create closer bonds. “Instead of just seeing us as volunteers, they actually treat us like family,” Mehak shared. “She really moved all of us, and we were able to connect with her at a deeper level.”
When asked how she managed to volunteer alongside her studies, Mehak replied that she learned the art of prioritizing activities within her busy schedule. “I tried to blend in everything,” Mehak explained. “I used to work two days; after that, I used to volunteer, and whenever I had classes I just took time off.”
Her unwavering commitment to BCMOS has earned Mehak the George Shipley Volunteer Award, an honour recognizing a volunteer involved in multiple programs with the highest number of hours contributed. She felt “really impressed” by this recognition of her efforts. She described the volunteer opportunity at BCMOS as a “really cool experience” that has allowed her to explore a lot of possibilities.
Looking ahead, Mehak plans to continue her path in kinesiology by becoming a member of the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK), while continuing her volunteer work at BCMOS. Volunteering has not only enriched her field of study but has also helped in a personal way. “Through serving others, I found parts of myself I didn’t know were missing. Volunteering taught me that even the smallest actions can spark meaningful change — both in someone’s day and in my own life.”
Inspired by Mehak’s story?
Visit https://bcmos.org/volunteer/ or email volunteer@disabilityfoundation.org to learn more. We hope to see you on the trail or on the water!