Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way

Charles at Domtar

Teacher, gas fitter, pipe fitter, poet. Add to that an MBA and an insatiable appetite for volunteering and giving back, and that is just the beginning in describing Charles Molloy. A resident of Kamloops since 1994, Charles has spent much of his life exploring places all around Canada – he was born in Windsor, Ontario but has spent much of his 62 years living in communities throughout Ontario, BC and the Northwest Territories. An employee of Domtar since moving to Kamloops, it was also then that he began his involvement with both the Kamloops branch of Habitat for Humanity and Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way.

First drawn in to Habitat for Humanity years ago, Charles said it was his childhood circumstances that motivated him to become involved. Because he was raised in a foster home, he grew to realize the importance of “home” - having your own permanent home to create stability and positivity. Living in foster care changed his perception of himself, but the stability of having a permanent home created optimism and balance. So Charles tackled fundraising, recruiting and other administrative duties while on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity. Though he says it wasn’t the most glamorous job, it was a job that needed to be done: “If I don’t do the things that no one else is willing to do, who will do them?” It is this type of attitude that defines those who help build a strong community.

Today, Charles is a recognized United Way Community Builder – he donates over $1000 of his pay to United Way every year. When asked why he gives back to the community, Charles said that over the years he has come to realize just how fortunate he is to have support from loved ones in his life, and to have been given opportunities to succeed. This is the driving force behind Charles’ “pay it forward” attitude. “I believe that everyone, whether you came from best family ever or the other side of the spectrum, has a debt they owe back to the community… Recognize that the vast majority of us have a lot to be happy about – and this is not about having money.” Something else Charles feels grateful for is his ability to give back, and he wishes others would recognize their ability, also. Time is as valuable a resource as money, sometimes more so, he says. “Everyone has their time to give, even if they don’t have the money.”

However, as much as someone may want to give back, there has to be a line drawn somewhere. After suffering from some health issues 8 years ago, Charles recognized that sometimes the focus has to shift back to oneself. “Then,” he says, “that is when you can learn to truly value your opportunities to give, to help someone else who needs it - just like you do at times”. To find out more about your opportunities to give back to your community, visit our website www.unitedwaytnc.ca, or contact our offices at 250.372.9933.