August 19th, 2026
Be the First to Say “Hello”
By: Christina Koenig, Community Ambassador
When people ask me how I got connected to Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR), I often share a little about my family, my sister, and the support we received when I was growing up. This is what I think of when I think of going back to hello…our family introduction, but I also often say that, at the reception desk, I am the first person to say hello.
Opportunities to connect with everyone are an everyday experience for me and when times are challenging this is what I come back to. Through these connections, I can try to make things a little bit easier for the people who call or come through our doors. A warm greeting and the offer of a hot cup of coffee or tea go a long way when someone has a heavy plate, serving as a starting point when trying to help people find the support that they need.
This year, my role as Community Ambassador has really grown to include being on committees that support projects and events that build community in our office. My entire family participated in WEAFY Day by sharing music with everyone, and both my sister and I attended Walk-or-Wheel. On the Service Day Committee, I’ve helped our team find meaningful ways to volunteer for other community organizations.
Today, it is becoming increasingly important to reach out and participate in community, to be the first person to say hello, and get to know our neighbours. If we continue to support places and people that build caring neighbourhoods, the world will be a better place. For my family, for me, and for so many others, one of those better places will always be EAFWR!