Celebrating A Year Of Impact With The HLF Young Ambassadors

On Saturday, November 15th, the latest class of HLF Young Ambassadors came together for our end of the year celebration.  It was an opportunity for 13 of us to come together to celebrate our accomplishments, alongside Henrik Lundqvist.

The day started with Henrik introducing himself and welcoming each of us individually.  This was followed by breakfast, and a chance for us to reconnect as a group.  Since becoming Ambassadors, we have been on our own paths to raise awareness for the Foundation, as well as our own causes and missions.  We were able to talk among ourselves what we have been up to since our ambassador orientation in January.

After breakfast we were welcomed back by Meri Wolff, HLF Senior Program Director, and Johanna Bialous, HLF Executive Director.  Henrik then addressed us as a group, welcoming the YA class to our year end celebration. Following this, we each gave a presentation to the group, including Hank, on our time as ambassadors.  We discussed our Independent Service Project, our community presentation and how we earned our service hours.  It was so interesting to hear everyone’s interests and what inspired them to do their ISP.  As a group, we raised and donated a lot of money for various causes, collected sports equipment for children in need, socks for a local shelter, books to promote literacy in local areas, food to provide for hungry children, and I personally collected and donated items to help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy feel more comfortable during their treatment.

At the end of the presentations, Meri, Johanna and Henrik closed out the day, and they talked about how proud they are of the YA program, and their excitement about this being the 10th year.  He spent time with each of us taking photos and signing items.

This year as an ambassador has been incredibly fulfilling, and I appreciate everyone who has supported me through the year.  I enjoyed working with my mentors, and hope to be a mentor to a new YA next year.  Thank you to Meri Wolff, our HLFYA Program Director, who has kept us connected not only with each other, but with the HLF.  Thank you Henrik and Therese Lundqvist for this opportunity and the chance to be involved with your foundation.