‘It’s not about why I should give back but why not’
United Way served Asare Kester-Akrofi in the past. Now with the GenNext initiative, he’s engaging community leaders
When reaching out to Asare Kester-Akrofi, it’s a wonder the 31-year-old has time to pick up the call let alone answer with a bright and engaging “How’s your day been so far?”
Somewhere in between working a fulltime job, completing a master’s degree at York University, taking care of his family and playing basketball with his buds, the charismatic community leader can be found serving as a cabinet member for United Way initiative GenNext and as a dedicated United Way campaign cochair for the city of Markham.
“Throughout my life, the United Way has provided services for me at critical times,” Kester-Akrofi says. “Ultimately, I give back not only because it’s the right thing to do but because I’m fortunate and blessed enough to be in a position to do so.”
While free time is something that is both a precious and rare commodity to Kester-Akrofi today, it was a distinct abundance of time that could have led him astray as a young man growing up in Toronto’s Malvern neighbourhood. “My mom was working as a nurse and doing everything in her power to keep a roof over our heads,” he says. “In her absence, it was so easy for me to get into trouble. I was involved in situations —
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precarious situations. There were many issues in the neighbourhood related to crime and racial tensions.”
Kester-Akrofi adds that a sudden uprooting of his life to Winnipeg and a quick return to Toronto saw him experience feelings of instability, isolation and anger.
“I needed an outlet, and for me that came in the form of several social programs,” he says, pointing in particular to the Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough, whose robust basketball program saw him channel his energy and focus into sports.
“I became excited not only because I was becoming a better basketball player, but I was building connections with other kids who looked like me,” he says.
“When you were there, it didn’t matter if you were coming from social housing or a broken home. All the problems were left at the door.”
As a youth, Kester-Akrofi would just play, he says, not knowing that in truth he was playing with a purpose. Now as an adult, having emerged from these experiences with solid mentors, job opportunities and a tight circle of friends, his purpose has become entirely clear.
“Now in my capacity working at the city of Markham, it’s not about why I should give back but why not,” he says.
“Why not engage the next generation of leaders in the community?”
It’s that very sentiment that also led Kester-Akrofi to become involved with GenNext, a United Way initiative that encourages individuals in their 20s and 30s to more fully understand the issues that con- > FIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY front people in their communities, to actively connect with community members and to influence positive change by way of meaningful volunteering and giving opportunities.
“When we look at our groups that are going out, we’re thrilled to see that they’re skewing younger,” says Allison Sharpe, director of donor engagement for the United Way Greater Toronto.
“I think it’s important to emphasize that the involvement and support of a young adult, be it through their time and donations, will not only help older adults and senior citizens but people from all age brackets, including their own,” she adds.
Sharpe adds that young individuals such as Kester-Akrofi are currently playing a key role in motivating anyone and everyone to give their time, talent and treasure.
“We’re not going to be able to tackle all the issues we’re facing in our local community if we aren’t all getting involved in some way,” she says. “Sometimes people think if they’re not involved in some enormous, heroic act, then it’s not going to be noticed. But I can tell you firsthand that every single contribution makes a difference.”
And while in Kester-Akrofi’s case, the considerable amount of time he’s allotted to civic engagement has certainly not gone unnoticed. This ultrabusy altruist still finds a moment to reflect on a full-circle experience of struggle, support, success and social conscience.
“I never imagined I’d be able to do the things I’m doing now,” he says. “We all need to band together to fight poverty in all its forms. I’m just doing whatever I can in whatever capacity.”
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