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Volunteer spotlight: Kitty Choi-Cheung

Family Court Counsellor Kitty Choi-Cheung (BSW’17) is a social worker and volunteers with Dal's Insight Circle and Alumni Link mentorship program.
Choi-Cheung posing with a Dal Tiger stuffed animal in front of flowers.

Posted: July 22, 2024

Kitty Choi-Cheung (BSW’17) is a passionate Dal alum who believes in the importance and impact of giving back. She is an advocate for finding volunteer opportunities that fit within your schedule and passions. She currently volunteers as a Dal Alumni Link mentor and answers monthly surveys through Dal's Insight Circle. We asked Kitty about her time at Dal and how she got involved as an alumni volunteer.

Describe your Dal volunteer journey.

I have been volunteering with Dal Insight Circle since it first launched in September 2020. This year, I also have started volunteering as a mentor with Dal Alumni Link to provide virtual one-to-one mentoring support to other Dal alumni.

What inspired you to become a Dal volunteer?

In 2018 May, I received the most exciting news that Dal was going to celebrate its 200th anniversary with hundreds of alumni by touring coast to coast across Canada! When I learned that Edmonton would be one of the selected cities to host the celebration, I immediately reserved my ticket and contacted some of my cohorts who are living in Alberta to join this terrific event.

During the event, I met hundreds of alumni from different faculties and various graduation years in person. We shared inspiring perspectives on Dal’s future development and our collective passion for being Dal alumni – all while enjoying well selected East Coast ales, the famous Halifax donair and signature lobster roll. I also received some limited-edition Dal alumni pins and pens. It was a very memorable night, and I even made some new alumni friends that I’m still in touch with to this day.

Throughout the event, I noticed many Dal alumni volunteering their time to help ensure the event was a success. From planning the event and programming to assisting with registration and making sure every attendant received their special Dal giveaways, these volunteers were dedicated and passionate. This unforgettable experience reminded me that physical distance and time zones are not barriers to being a Dal volunteer and I wanted to contribute as much as I could.

Choi-Cheung and McLellan shake hands at an event. Choi-Cheung met the Honourable A. Anne McLellan, PC, OC, AOE (BA’71, LLB’74) at a Dal event in Edmonton in 2018.

What have you learned or gained from volunteering at Dalhousie? What is the single best experience you have had as a Dal volunteer?

I have learned that by sharing my experience and insights with others, my sense of belonging to Dal has increased tremendously. I feel my voice is heard as my opinion and suggestions have been shaping Dal’s future development and its international reputation.  

One of the best experiences I have had as a Dal volunteer (besides winning Dal swag from Dal’s Insight Circle in May 😊) was being invited by Dal's Office of Advancement to share my volunteering experience and to be featured on the Dal alumni volunteer spotlight section to encourage fellow alumni to volunteer.

Choi-Cheung smiling with Dal Insight Circle t-shirt and pamphlet.

What advice would you give someone considering volunteering for Dal?

Be honest with yourself and evaluate how much time you can and are willing to dedicate as a Dal volunteer. Also, enrol in volunteer opportunities that you are genuinely passionate about and interested in.

Beyond being an alum and Dal volunteer, do you have other connections to Dalhousie?

Donating my time at the Community Clinic at Dal’s School of Social Work. This program offers undergraduate and graduate students in Health Professions an avenue to learn frontline practice from an anti-oppressive and social justice perspective while collaborating on complex cases. I will continue to explore the various ways there are to stay connected and engaged with Dal.