Quick Escape 
YWCA Hamilton is proud to announce Oliver Maxwell as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year!
As a volunteer with YWCA Hamilton, Oliver supported our SELF Program – a project that served socially isolated and low economic status mothers and their families.
He was instrumental in supporting bi-weekly playdates, field trips, and hands-on activities with the children. His calm, caring presence has helped to create a welcoming environment where moms and children feel safe, supported, and joyful.
Oliver also assisted with behind-the-scenes tasks, setting up and taking down program spaces, preparing light snacks, and helping with clean-up. His willingness to take initiative, collaborate with staff, and consistently show up on time and ready to help made him a reliable and important part of the team.
Volunteering over 4 years, Oliver says “It has been very wonderful and eye-opening experience… to meet so many wonderful people. I think my favourite part was getting to hang out with the children and watch them grow.”
Liliana Figueredo, Project Lead, Perinatal and Parenting Support shares, “what sets Oliver apart is not just what he did, but how he did it, with kindness, and a genuine desire to contribute to something greater than himself.”
On the impact of volunteering, Oliver mentions “Volunteering opens up more opportunities for you…I have done a lot of things that I never really thought I would have been doing!”
“His presence uplifted the children and staff alike, and his volunteerism embodied the YWCA’s values of equity, community, and empowerment,” Liliana says.
Thank you to Oliver for your unwavering dedication, time, and support to the SELF Project and YWCA Hamilton – volunteers like you make our community what it is!
Check out the current volunteer opportunities with us or contact Stacey Marshall, our Volunteer Coordinator, at smarshall@ywcahamilton.org!