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Chang School student Helen Choi is a survivor.

A part-time student in the certificate in fundraising management course, Choi works at a local community centre as a volunteer resources coordinator. There, she leads, co-ordinates and recruits 3,400 volunteers who provide relief and support to marginalized citizens living in Regent Park, St. James Town and Moss Park. This is a far cry from the life Choi was leading a few short years ago.

Before becoming a straight-A student, Choi was a homeless single mother lugging an air mattress around, with her daughter in tow, crashing at friends’ houses a few days at a time. She says she used the spare time she had when her baby was asleep to research what services were available to her. A combination of student loans, grants and welfare assistance gave Choi the second chance she needed. She started volunteering at a food bank, which led her to a volunteer and fundraising program at Humber College and a placement at the Parkdale Food Bank, where she joined its board of directors.

“As a food bank user, I saw the need of a food bank and for fundraising,” Choi said. “Fundraising is a big component to sustain operations, programs and services that are provided. Not everything is given by the government – charities have to get money on their own too.”

But Choi says it’s not just a simple solution of donating money that can fix poverty. She’s learning at The Chang School that there’s a culture of philanthropy and the art of helping people involves giving more than money; it’s about giving your skills, talent and time.

“The certificate teaches you how to communicate the impact of donations and educate about poverty,” Choi said. “Lives are transformed both ways. It creates a sense of community – the work of compassion comes full circle.”

Choi pursued the fundraising management certificate at The Chang School to upgrade her skills. She’s taking her time gaining credits because she wants to get the most she can out of it.

“The instructors are industry leaders and have a great reputation,” she said. “I want a quality education. That isn’t just about what the institution can give you but what you can bring to the institution. Education is going to better my skills and strengthen my knowledge and knowledge is power.”

Despite the many trials and barriers Choi encountered, her inner strength and sense of faith made her determined to do well. Having a toddler to care for is another reason Choi just couldn’t give up.

“Even at times when I felt stuck and hopeless, I found hope in the simple things,” she said. “I remain thankful for every little help I got. You get help and you give back – that’s what makes life meaningful. That’s what strengthened me and what I want to model for my daughter.”

Choi’s story has gone viral over Twitter and Facebook and thanks to her newfound, local fame, she’s been asked to speak at events, sharing her story with countless others still in dire situations.