An Extraordinary Volunteer
Ann-Marie Thivierge, President, Edmonton Neighborhood Watch (ENW)

In honor of National Volunteer Week 2021, Pounce Support Services™ has recently become acquainted with an amazing woman who is passionate and continually gives so much of her time to an organization near and dear to her heart!

Who is Ann-Marie Thivierge?

With a professional background in legal and executive administration, a graceful lady who is calm and composed, but very much aware of what is happening around her, Ann-Marie is a person with high principles, beliefs, is open to new ideas, enjoys life, helping and empowering others to achieve the best of themselves.  Ann-Marie cares a great deal about giving back to the community.  She is currently volunteering with a charitable organization specializing in crime prevention.  Having been a victim of crime herself, she is determined to make a difference and do all she can to prevent another person from being a victim of crime. One of her favorite quotes from John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” keeps her moving forward.

Edmonton Neighborhood Watch Program Society

Founded in 1985, Ann-Marie began volunteering with the Edmonton Neighborhood Watch Program Society in 2014. In 2016 she accepted and committed to the top volunteer role on the board of directors as President. She serves in this role with her fellow board members, volunteers, and one part-time staff person.  Together, they strive to reduce criminal activity through volunteers’ combined preventative efforts in each community along with the Edmonton Police Service and other community partners.

The ENW’s Mission is to build safer communities by providing crime prevention information and the support of neighborhood level programs that encourage awareness, education, inclusion, and participation.

When asked, what inspired her to volunteer with ENW, Ann-Marie humbly said, “I believe it is essential to serve the greater Edmonton and area community and to be able to assist in building strong and safe neighborhoods—being able to support ENW’s Mission and getting to know the neighbors in creating a safe community, helping and supporting law enforcement officers who risk their lives to serve and protect the community.”  Ann-Marie believes we all have a role to play to ensure we live in safe neighborhoods.  As she shares, “Goodwill is very important to me!”

Ann-Marie grew up volunteering as a child. She fondly remembers her parents bringing meals to those in need, and since then, helping others has become a part of who she is. As she shares, “Goodwill is very important to me!” Her first volunteer position was sorting food items at a Food Bank.

What ENW Needs Now

Ann-Marie hopes that ENW can continue striving to reach its mission and values by building other programs and extending support to all communities that need assistance in crime prevention.  Growth of the programs and looking outside of the box will help generate a more significant impact for the community.

Ann-Marie is looking for a few new board members, volunteers who have the time, expertise, and experience in various areas to join forces with her and the team. She believes that having engaged and robust board volunteers will help move the organization toward its goals and objectives. Opportunities to raise more funds are always needed. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on ENW’s fundraising initiatives. “Our Casino major fundraising event did happen, and the funding from these events equates to 80% of ENW’s annual operating budget“, says Ann-Marie. ENW needs funding for achieving the programs and its operations.

Ann-Marie hopes that ENW can continue striving to reach its mission and values by building other programs and extending support to all communities that need assistance in crime prevention.  Growth of the programs and looking outside of the box will help generate a more significant impact for the community.

What keeps you motivated to volunteer with ENW?
When asked, what keeps you motivated to volunteer with ENW, Ann-Marie smiled and said, “Being a part of ENW has been a joy. My passion is supporting the community in crime prevention.  Learning from the neighbourhood watch community representatives and other volunteers gives me strength and focus.  Having a safe environment allows society to be healthier, whereby building the world sees how we treasure our freedom and liberty.”

Ann-Marie believes in respect.  Facing racial equality struggles at different levels allows her to be resilient and stay focused on the truth and kindness that carry her throughout her daily endeavors.
She believes kindness and non-judgment should be an essential part of our well-being.  Humanity is what we all have in common, and that we all should share compassion and build resilience for the younger generations to follow.

COVID-19 showed that we all depend on and support each other!

If you would like to contribute in any way, please connect with Ann-Marie Thivierge at president@enwatch.ca.