Every year on September 5, people around the world come together to mark the International Day of Charity. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, this day is more than just a commemoration, it’s a global call to action – a day to raise awareness and create a shared platform for charitable work across communities, countries, and causes. 

Charity plays a vital role in addressing human suffering and helping build more compassionate and inclusive societies. It reminds us that whether it’s through financial support, acts of kindness, or volunteering, we all have something to contribute. 

At Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC), we know first-hand the impact volunteers have. So much of what we do is powered by passionate individuals who give their time, skills, and heart to causes that matter deeply to them. In celebration of this year’s International Day of Charity, we are excited to spotlight one of our amazing volunteers. 

Meet Arielle Weinstein, a psychology undergraduate student at McGill University in Montreal. From May to August 2025, Arielle joined our team as a Student Outreach and Research Volunteer, and her contributions made a real difference. 

We recently caught up with Arielle to reflect on her time at DWDC, what drew her to this volunteer opportunity, and the lessons she’s taking with her.  

Tell our readers about yourself  

My name is Arielle Weinstein. I am a third year McGill student studying psychology and linguistics. My interests primarily lay in the destigmatization and advocacy of mental and physical health. Outside of school, I love to play soccer, hang out with my dog and spend time with my friends and family.   

What made you decide to volunteer with Dying With Dignity Canada? 

When I was in high school, I took an introductory law course that had a strong focus on Charter Rights. We spent a lot of time discussing relevant cases that challenged each section of the Charter. When we got to Section 7 rights (my personal favourite), we were introduced to the Carter v Canada case. Although I had some knowledge of MAID prior to this course, approaching it from a legal perspective deepened my appreciation of the importance of health care autonomy. A couple years later, end-of-life autonomy remained a fundamental interest of mine. I found myself frequently engaging in friendly debates with peers, discussing the issue with my family, and keeping up with the current status of MAID legislation.  

These conversations highlighted how many misconceptions exist around MAID. I realized the best way to continue learning and contributing would be to get involved directly. As I researched end-of-life organizations, I was drawn to the impactful work of Dying With Dignity Canada. I was excited to apply my basic legal knowledge to an organization dedicated to educating the public, supporting individuals navigating end-of-life care, and promoting dignity in dying.   

Tell our readers about your role as a summer volunteer – what kind of work did you do with the team? 

This summer, my work focused on student outreach efforts. I was tasked with researching various Ontario colleges and universities to investigate how to best bring Dying With Dignity Canada to campuses. The goal was to get young people involved with Dying With Dignity Canada’s mission, as well as expose them to end-of-life options and the importance to health care autonomy from a young age. I also had the opportunity to research young people’s perspectives on death and dying to understand how to best approach the topic with them. 

Why do you think it is important to volunteer? 

I believe that volunteering is one of the most fulfilling ways to give back to the community. Because there are so many amazing organizations, it provides a direct opportunity to get involved in and contribute meaningfully to a cause you are passionate about. Through my experience with Dying With Dignity Canada, I have come to realize that there is no insignificant task; each one is fundamental in fulfilling the organization’s broader mission. While your work as a volunteer is serving the organization at large, the organization simultaneously provides you with worthwhile knowledge that will not only deepen your understanding of the cause at hand but will equip you with skills and lessons that translate into all areas of life.  

What is the role you think young people can play when it comes to volunteering and charities? 

Young people play a critical role when it comes to volunteering and charities. They bring unique insights and perspectives of their generation. By sharing the viewpoints of their peer groups, young volunteers allow charities to expand their outreach, strengthen campaigns, and connect with a wider audience. I believe it is fundamental for charities to have teams comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds as it ensures the initiatives are inclusive and accessible. Ultimately, the mission of the majority of charities is to reach as many people as they can and improve access to their cause. A diverse team expands access, prevents any population from being overlooked, and strengthens the organization’s impact.   

Death and dying are not often topics young people talk about or are comfortable with. How do you think young people can become more comfortable with the topic? Or how can adults help young people become more comfortable? 

There is a common misconception that adults are meant to protect young people from the harsh reality of death, and understandably so. As a result, death is often a topic that is not introduced to children until they experience a loss within their family. However, this lack of exposure, although intended to shield children from pain, often makes coping more difficult. When a child is introduced to the concept of dying while simultaneously experiencing the loss of a loved one, they are often unprepared to navigate the grieving process in an informed way.  

It is also common for adults to refer to death with a euphemism, such as they’re taking a long sleep, gone to a better place, or no longer with us. These abstract explanations can confuse children, obscure the reality of grief and perpetuate the idea that emotions surrounding grief should be minimized.  

However, from my research with DWDC, I have learned that when it comes to these heavier topics, age-appropriate learning offers both protection and education. Introducing the topic of death gradually and naturally and encouraging children to ask questions helps build a more concrete understanding. Many children initially believe that death is reversable and may blame themselves when someone dies. Others experience heightened anxiety, fearing that they, or their loved ones, might suddenly die. As such, it is important to introduce death in a way that addresses these concerns, offering reassurance and stability. It is also important to normalize the emotional rollercoaster that is grief and ensure they understand that all emotions are valid parts of the process. Sometimes, it can be meaningful to engage the child in grieving activities, such as creating a photo album to honour the memories of their loved one.  

What are some of the key takeaways or learnings from your time with DWDC? 

My experience volunteering with DWDC has been very meaningful. My main takeaway from this experience is the individualized nature of dying. While it is common to view death as an inevitable event beyond our control, I have learned that although death itself is indeed inevitable, the process is highly personalized. No two people experiences their end of life identically. What I value most about DWDC, though, is that it does not promote one end-of-life option over the other, it simply educates about what options are out there to equip individuals with the knowledge make an informed decision that is aligned with their personal values. The goal is to make death dignified, whatever that means to the individual.  

I have also learned that although Canada has come a long way in terms of MAID legislation, there is still a ways to go. Misconceptions continue to skew public perception, which exacerbates the stigma surrounding end-of-life choices. While everyone has the right to their own opinions, often opinions are informed by false information. The first step towards destigmatization is education, and my experience with DWDC has deepened my commitment to ongoing advocacy, education, and open dialogue. Just as we advocate for autonomy throughout life, it is of equal importance to have autonomy over death. 

What advice do you have for other young people who are thinking about volunteering? 

As young people, we often feel that we cannot contribute significantly to well-developed organizations. There is a common perception that we lack the skills, knowledge, or expertise that these organizations value. Volunteering can feel intimidating at first, but what I have come to learn from my experience with DWDC is that every contribution matters. DWDC, in particular, has a phenomenal team that welcomes you with open arms, teaches you exactly what you need to know, and deeply values the work you contribute. Whether you have two hours or 30 hours a week to offer, any amount of time you are able to commit to will be of benefit to the organization.   

My advice to other young people is to take the first step and get involved, even if you feel unsure of what you can offer. Although we often think about volunteering as an opportunity to give back, which is definitely is, it is as much about learning as it is about contributing. You may begin with a general interest in a cause, but through volunteering, you will gain knowledge and perspectives that not only deepen your dedication but also allow you to grow on a personal level.  

Be open-minded, confident, allow yourself to make mistakes, and recognize that the work you are doing matters.  

This International Day of Charity, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on what giving back looks like in your own life. Whether it’s a few hours of your time, a donation to a cause you care about, or simply a conversation that opens someone’s mind, it all matters. 

And if you’re inspired by Arielle’s story and want to learn more about getting involved with DWDC, we’d love to hear from you.