Stepping up during the COVID-19 pandemic

Max Niebergall Kayras Engineer

April 19 to 25 is National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize volunteers for all that they do.

If you browse Kayras Engineer’s LinkedIn profile, you’ll notice his passion for volunteering.

Even during this time of isolation, the fourth-year accounting and finance student is finding ways to give back, leveraging his skills by offering free income tax services to the community and delivering groceries to those in need.

Most recently, Engineer has registered to report and collect COVID-19 data for the Public Health Agency of Canada – of course, as a

volunteer.

“I figured that the more help the government can get, the better,” Engineer says. “I immediately messaged all my friends and colleagues to apply as well.”

Engineer, who’s worked three co-op terms with Deloitte Canada as an analyst of risk advisory, is no stranger to managing large amounts of data. It’s a skill he looks forward to applying if his application is accepted – and he’s encouraging others to consider it, too.

“We have the knowledge, we have all the assets that are available to us on hand – not everyone has this, so why not share what we have,” Engineer says.

Through their National COVID-19 Volunteer Recruitment Campaign, the Government of Canada is working with provincial and territorial governments to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. They’re seeking volunteers to help in the areas of case tracking, contact tracing, case data collection and reporting and health system surge capacity. As of April 15, a reported 34,000 Canadians had registered. Registrations close April 24.

“Just because there’s a volunteering opportunity that doesn’t start immediately, doesn’t mean that we have to wait,” Engineer says. “I think for the most part, everyone is volunteering in their own way – whether it’s staying at home or helping deliver groceries. I do think that it’s legitimately in our nature as Canadians and as University of Waterloo students to constantly help those around us.”

Volunteering positions in this capacity are temporary, spanning from under three months to more than one year. Should he secure it, Engineer plans to balance the part-time position alongside his full-time course load this spring term.

“I think this is something that every Waterloo student should consider, whether you’re a first-year student or completed your master’s degree,” Engineer says. “And knowing the Kitchener-Waterloo region, I know there’s plenty of hands going up to help someone in need.”