Name: Betty Halegoua
VFN volunteering positions: Baby group coordinator (2018) / Baby groups liaison
Tell us something about you and your family. What brought you to Vienna? When did you join the VFN?
I originally come from Athens, Greece. I came to Vienna 9 years ago and studied my Masters in Intercultural Management & Leadership. During my studies, I met Salvo, my husband, and together we’ve created a beautiful family with our two kids Monica (2.5 years old) and Rafael (3 months old). I joined VFN in 2018, when I was pregnant with Monica because I wanted to meet other international families and create a family away from our families.
Have you learned new skills while volunteering?
Volunteering taught me to adapt to different environments and work with people from different backgrounds. I’ve realized how important volunteering is in order to help people connect and create a safe space for them. Teamwork, communication, problem solving, task management are only some of the skills that volunteering has taught me.
Have you volunteered in the past? In other positions?
Yes, I have volunteered in the past for several non-profit organizations! The main position I was occupying was “Event Manager.. It’s a position which I later on had as my professional occupation and I loved with all my heart.
Why do you continue to volunteer despite the lockdowns?
Because I believe volunteering is needed more than ever before. We are all going through some very tough and challenging times. Families and soon to be families most definitely now need a safe space to feel included. Lockdowns bring less opportunities to socialize but by keeping VFN alive, we help families to still keep sane and have the possibility to be part of a group, virtually meet people and feel that they are not alone.
What would you tell potential volunteers?
Be part of the VFN pool of volunteers and you won’t regret it! Bring along your good mood, your ideas and a little bit of your time, and you have the perfect cocktail to enjoy the journey with us!
Interested in joining the great team of VFN volunteers? The information about Volunteering possibilities can be found in the “Join & Support us” section or you can also check the latest newsletter. Alternatively contact us by the contact form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!