Doer Spotlight: Nicky Nash, Kids Up Front

Not all of us can say that we do what we love, but this Doer does just that. Nicky Nash has been able to find a job doing her passion as the program manager for Kids Up Front. As Nicky says, “This is my day job, lucky right?!”

Kids Up Front is an organization that facilitates experiences for children and teenagers in Alberta who may otherwise not have the financial circumstances to do so. Since 2000, Kids Up Front has provide these children with over 365,731 tickets to concerts, sporting events, plays and other functions so that all children in Calgary can safely explore the world around them and gain new experiences. Calgarians donate time, money and/or tickets to Kids Up Front and the small team of four, which Nicky is a part of, does the rest.

Prior to working at Kids Up Front, Nicky was working at a marketing company and volunteering to run their annual corporate caring initiative.

“I found myself putting more time into that program than my actual job…and then the A-Ha! moment. I should look for a job in non-profit. A few months later I started at Kids Up Front and have not looked back since. I cannot imagine a better fit! I feel honoured to be the one who gets to help improve the lives on Calgarians every single day. Does it get any better?” said Nicky.

Since joining the organization in 2012, Nicky has been building the organizations’ brand online and has been an integral part of the small team helping launch initiatives like the Kids Up Front Charity Poker Tournament and the KUF Krew, which consists of 66 active and engaged volunteers.

Doers like Nicky don’t just stop at their day job. Nicky puts in her working hours helping children across Calgary, and put volunteer hours on top of that with other organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, and working through the process of volunteering at Children’s Hospital and Hope Mission. Her mission to enrich the lives of Calgary’s children clearly is her mandate across the board.

Kids Up Front Team

All Doers have their own story about what inspires them to give their time to others, Nicky’s stems from family, “I have had many amazing role models in my life…My parents have been unbelievably supportive and my husband and friends who support every little fundraiser and idea that I have. Without them, I couldn’t do what I do. Both my grandfathers were very active community members and I think they rubbed off on me in a big way.”

Nicky Nash is doing what she loves and is hopefully rubbing off on the next generation in the process, like her grandfathers did to her.

If you would like to volunteer, donate funds or tickets to Kids Up Front go here.

On May 31, 2015 Nicky and team are hosting a Car Wash 4 Kids! They need people to bring their cars and also volunteers! Find out more here.

Name: Nicky Nash
Does: Kids Up Front
Role: Program Manager
Day Job: Program Manager, Kids Up Front
Location: Crossfield, AB
Inspired by: Her family

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Twitter @KidsUpFrontCalg
Instagram @KidsUpFront
Facebook Kids Up Front Calgary