Cynthia Estrada
Cynthia Estrada has been volunteering in her community since she was 8 years old. In the summer of 1993, she was cast in Salome Bay’s theatre production Rainbow World at the Bathurst Street Theatre in Toronto. The majority of the cast was composed of volunteer actors.
Cynthia was honoured with a nomination at the 2003 PremioSomos Awards at the sold-out gala event at Roy Thomson Hall. She was nominated in the category of Youth Talent which distinguishes a Hispanic youth aged less than 20 years whose activities serve as an example to new generations and to the Hispanic community in general. She was so deserving of this nomination because, in just 18 short years (at that time), she had demonstrated leadership qualities as well as consistent and outstanding dedication to her volunteer work. She also impressed the award panel with her repertoire of skills in the arts and scholastic achievements.
From 2004 to present, she has volunteered for the Homeless Outreach Program at In the Flame of the Holy Spirit (IFHS) church. Her responsibilities include helping to prepare and distribute food to the homeless men and women of downtown Toronto. Together with other volunteers, on a quarterly basis, she distributes 400 lunches and brings the message of hope to these oft forgotten human beings.
She has also dedicated countless of volunteer hours for the IFHS Music Group. Almost every Thursday of the year, the music group gets together for 2-3 hours to rehearse the music they will play on the weekend.
In July 2009, Cynthia joined a volunteer Mission Group lead by Rev. Beatriz Cardenas and together they all travelled to Ecuador, to assist in repairing and painting the Fundación Shalom boy’s orphanage for one month.
Cynthia has served as a dedicated volunteer Sunday school teacher for the IFHS youth for the past 6 years.
Last year, she was ordained as a Youth Pastor. This is a volunteer job over and above her full time job as a Senior Graphic Designer.
In April 2014, Cynthia travelled to Dominican Republic with her Pastor and other volunteers. For two weeks, they distributed clothing and school supplies to the poorest families and children.
I commend Cynthia Estrada for all her passionate volunteer work. She is an inspiration to many young women. For all she does and for who she is - Cynthia is my hero!
Submitted by Anonymous
