Dave Ellis
Communications Director
For me, community service has never really been about having a title. It has always been about showing up, getting involved, and doing whatever I can to help.
My journey in volunteering began in the Hamilton area with Scouts Canada, where I spent approximately 10 years as a volunteer. Those years had a big impact on me. Scouting taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, helping others, and, perhaps most importantly, the value of being part of something bigger than yourself.
When I joined Kin Canada in 2019, I found another place where those values felt right at home.
I became involved with the Hamilton Kin Club and, before long, I found myself taking on several executive positions at the club level. I enjoyed being involved, helping with projects, supporting our members, and finding ways that we could make a difference in our community.
I've always believed that if you want something to happen, sometimes you just have to step forward and get involved.
My personal philosophy has always been pretty simple:
“Jump in feet first.”
That's how I've approached much of my volunteer journey. I don't necessarily wait until I know everything or until someone asks me to take the lead. Sometimes you just have to take that first step, learn along the way, and figure things out together.
My involvement with Kin has given me the opportunity to do exactly that. I've been fortunate enough to have my efforts recognized through Kin Canada, including receiving the Maple Leaf Award of Distinction and Outstanding Maple Leaf of Distinction recognition.
Today, I'm proud to serve as the Communications Director for Kin Canada District 1 as part of Team Kin Driven 106.
Taking on the Communications Director role has allowed me to combine something I really enjoy—connecting with people—with my passion for community service. I get to help share the stories of Kin clubs and volunteers throughout District 1, highlight the work being done in our communities, and hopefully inspire others to get involved.
To me, communications is about much more than simply putting information out there. It's about telling the stories of the people who are making a difference.
Every club has a story.
Every volunteer has a reason they chose to get involved.
And every community project represents people who decided that something was worth doing.
I want to help tell those stories.
Looking back, my path from Scouts Canada to Kin Canada wasn't something I planned out years in advance. It simply grew from a willingness to get involved and a belief that helping others is worth the time and effort.
I've learned that community doesn't just happen. People build it.
Sometimes you lead from the front. Sometimes you're working behind the scenes. Sometimes you're simply the person who shows up when someone needs help.
Whatever the role, I believe there's value in being willing to step forward.
Outside of volunteering, I enjoy movies, video games, spending time with friends, and enjoying the people and experiences that make life interesting.
After all these years, my approach really hasn't changed much.
Show up. Get involved. Help where you can. And when the opportunity comes along, jump in feet first.
Thank you to our sponsors!
