service

Community

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Winnipeg

All children have potential. However, a lot of children and young people deal with societal obstacles and encounter challenges like poverty, unstable families, and discrimination based on identity. The future of a young person may suffer as a result of these difficulties. Young people’s lives are changed via mentoring connections. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors build strong, supportive connections with their mentees that express caring, challenge growth, share power, and widen possibilities with the help of professional training and support.

My role involved mentoring children and youth and helping them become better version of themselves. I also acted as a source of emotional and confidential support to youth and children in my care.

Let's Talk Science, UWinnipeg

Let’s Talk Science is a registered Canadian charitable organization focused on education and skills development for children and youth in Canada through science, technology, engineering and math based programs. In order to provide a wide range of worthwhile science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning activities in both school and community settings, Let’s Talk Science links educators and young people with exceptional volunteers. While volunteering with LTS, I organized and taught fun science experiments (usually hands on) to children and youth. At these schools, I also discussed science and the opportunities available at the University of Winnipeg to help them develop their interest in science.

Misericordia Health Centre

Misericordia Health Centre (MHC) has been providing excellent, compassionate care since 1898. Today MHC specializes in healthy aging, including Interim Care which provides a comfortable home-like environment for 145 Residents who are waiting to get into the personal care home of their choice. My volunteer role involved accompanying those wishing to attend Church services within the Centre and providing fresh ice water for residents room-to-room while taking time for social interaction with residents.

Volunteer Assist to Community

COMMUNITY OUTREACH/
VOLUNTEER WORK

UHN FOUNDATION

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cENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE

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MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL

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SILOAM MISSION WINNIPEG, MB

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Misericordia Health Centre

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CANADIAN RED CROSS

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Driven by curiosity, I’m passionate about blending research, leadership, and service to create a positive impact.

avikpeferdinand@outlook.com

Research

Teaching

Service

© 2025 Ferdinand Avikpe.

University Health Network (UHN) Foundation/Toronto GENERAL HOSPITAL, TORONTO ON

Event Fundraising & Logistics Volunteer (Sept 2024 - Present)
  • Volunteered at multiple events supporting event logistics, guest services, and fundraising efforts for the University Health Network Foundation.
  • Events:
    • Rally for Rehab Volunteer (Sept 2024)
    • Diwali Gala Volunteer (Oct 2024)
    • Grand Cru Wine Festival Volunteer (Oct 2024)
    • We Walk UHNITED (May 2025)
  • Led election officials through hospital units, using knowledge of the hospital layout to navigate efficiently floor-by-floor and room-by-room.
  • Ensured adherence to hospital safety protocols, including proper use of PPE when entering contact precaution rooms.
  • Assisted patients with sitting up and communicating their home postal codes to verify electoral district information.
  • Supported ballot preparation, including sealing envelopes and handing ballots to patients to cast their votes in ballot boxes.

 

 

 

    • Providing comfort and companionship to patients by conversing, offering reading materials, and engaging in activities like games and arts & crafts.
    • Helping patients access UHN’s digital health resources including e-books and audiobooks.
    • Providing printed UHN Patient Education brochures, tailored to both unit-specific and general health topics (e.g., mental health).
    • Supporting nursing staff by checking in with patients to address non-medical needs such as walking assistance, drinks, and relaying patient questions and concerns.
    • Assisting visitors in locating patient rooms and amenities, enhancing the overall experience for patients and their families while ensuring smooth communication between patients and medical staff.
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    Helped train new volunteers by walking them through shift tasks, sharing best practices for patient interaction, and answering questions to build their confidence on the floor.

Centre for International Experience, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

International Student Experience (ISE) Panelist and Volunteer (Jul 2024 – Sept 2024)

Centre for International Experience, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

    • Engaging in international student panels, sharing personal experiences, and answering participant questions to support incoming international grad students.
    • Supporting event logistics by assisting with setup, student check-in, and engaging participants in activities, ensuring a welcoming environment for new and returning international students.

Sinai health system - mount sinai hospital , torornto on

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Volunteer (Jan 2025 – Present)
  • Checked in with the Communications Team to receive the updated Operating Room (OR) list and volunteer Ascom phone, ensuring the phone was functional and the OR list was kept confidential throughout the shift.
  • Recorded key patient and visitor details on the OR list, including patient arrival times, visitor information, and recovery area assignments, while liaising with PACU nurses and the Comm 2 Team to facilitate patient visits.
  • Supported family members by providing comfort and information, escorting visitors to patient bays in the Recovery Area, and ensuring adherence to hospital policies regarding visitation and lounge usage.
  •  
    • Provided companionship and functional support to hospitalized older adults in the Emergency Room to improve their quality of life and reduce the risks of cognitive and functional decline.
    • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including Social Work, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy, to deliver compassionate care and recreational activities that aid in faster recovery and reduce hospital stays for frail, older patients.
    • Completed specialized training to effectively engage with at-risk older patients, using techniques such as pet therapy, puzzles, and music to stimulate their minds, bodies, and spirits while enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare satisfaction.

SILOAM MISSION, WINNIPEG, MB

Volunteer (Aug 2021 – Jul 2023)
  • Assisted in meal preparation and serving in the kitchen, providing nutritious meals to community members in need.
  • Sorted and organized donations, including clothing and household items, ensuring efficient distribution to individuals and families accessing the Mission’s services.

Misericordia Health Centre, winnipeg, mb

Volunteer Jul 2019 – (Sept 2021)
  • Accompanied elderly residents wishing to attend Church services within the Centre.
  • Provided fresh ice water for residents room-to-room while taking time for social interaction with them

canadian red cross, ontario

Team Admin (Mar 2025 – Present)
  • Conducting monthly check-ins with each team member via phone, email or text to provide support, share updates, and maintain engagement.
  • Tracking training completion and monthly volunteer hours to ensure ongoing engagement and emergency management program compliance when not deployed on responses.
  • Cascading communications from Emergency Management Coordinators (EMCs), serving as the first point of contact, and fostering a sense of community among team members.
  • Delivered nutritious meals to seniors in the GTA while providing friendly check-ins to support their well-being and reduce social isolation.
  • Followed health, safety, and confidentiality protocols to ensure reliable and respectful service to all program participants.
  • Coordinating virtual emergency response efforts by receiving emergency calls, dispatching responders, and overseeing the response process to ensure effective assistance.
  • Managing response logistics, including tracking PDA kits, storage depots, and ensuring proper documentation in EMIS.
  • Collaborating with on-the-ground responders to provide essential aid to clients for up to 72 hours, ensuring timely and appropriate support.
  • Supporting clients affected by smaller and larger disaster events (such as residential fires, flood, wildfires, hurricanes and storms) by assessing short-term needs and providing immediate assistance such as shelter, food, and clothing.
  • Working with a team of trained responders to deliver compassionate support and help individuals navigate the initial steps of recovery.
  • Staying prepared between responses by maintaining readiness, participating in team training, and engaging in community disaster preparedness initiatives to reduce the impact of future disasters.