Like many entrepreneurs, Little Voice’s author and illustrator both work full time while pursuing their dream of sharing their story and message!
“Sometimes it’s hard when all you want to do is come home and take a nap but know you have a million other things that need your attention. Our little voices definitely help keep us motivated in achieving our dreams; though we work day and night to achieve our success, we wouldn’t have it any other way! The moment we see someone post our book or send us a message about how inspired they were is the moment we realize all our hard work has been worth it! We eventually become more determined and inspired to keep on working so that we may continue to share our message with others!” – Amanda Bernardo, Author
On top of running the Little Voice’s publication AND their day jobs, Amanda and Samantha also make sure to give back to their communities!
“We volunteer as often as we can, whether it be by promoting local causes or organizations, volunteering, raising awareness or simply making donations; giving back to our community is at the forefront of Little Voice.” – Samantha Clusiau-Lawlor, Illustrator
Amanda and Samantha developed the Little Voice Forget Me Not Project to raise awareness and funds in support of the Alzheimer Society of Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County. They also give back through their #30BooksFundraiser and by volunteering their time at local schools and organizations!
It was only natural that their hard work ethic and passion to give back led them to work with this year’s GCWCC Campaign.
” When I am not working on Little Voice, I work as a Policy Advisor with Parks Canada. I am extremely fortunate to work for an organization that in itself is so inspiring. Everyday, I am inspired by the history of our country and the national parks that capture the beauty of our cultural heritage. Every year, Parks Canada participates in the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign, a charitable giving option developed exclusively for federal public servants and federal retirees. Through the GCWCC, public servants can support United Ways/Centraides, HealthPartners or any other registered Canadian charity of their choosing. Of course, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to volunteer and so I instantly joined Parks Canada’s team! As a canvasser for the GCWCC Campaign, I had the opportunity to see first hand how so many charities and organizations in our community need our help. I knew there had to be a way I could do more to give back to these organizations … and so, I found a way!” – Amanda
As part of the GCWCC Campaign, Amanda and Samantha have decided to enter Little Voice in Parks Canada’s Charitable Book Sale! $5 from every Little Voice/La petite voix book sale will be donated back into the GCWCC Campaign!
The Book Sale will be held October 6, 7 and 8 in the lobby of Parks Canada at 30 Victoria Street in Gatineau, Quebec. Check back soon for times when Little Voice will be set-up!
The Book Sale is open to all and books can also be purchased to be donated to a local school or organization as part of our continued efforts in the #30BooksFundraiser.
Parks Canada offers a number of programs and opportunities for kids and youth to engage with Canada’s natural and cultural heritage in fun and innovative ways.