Volunteer Profile

New Hands on Deck for the RDC Development Office 

A small bowl of rice and beans was all it was, but somehow it meant the world to them. I gave the child her meal and joined her under a trailer while she ate it in the comfort of the shade.

The group of us danced the Macarena along with those who called the dump home, and then we left. We returned to our four star resort to ponder what we had just witnessed. These wonderful people were called “the untouchables” by the locals, yet they were some of the happiest people one could ever hope to meet.

It was 2006 and I had joined Canadians from across the country on a humanitarian trip (Hero Holiday) to the Dominican Republic. My life was forever changed in those six days. Now, whenever a need arises, be it worldwide or with a friend next door, it has become harder and harder for me just to sit around and do nothing. Need beckons for resource and my mind races at possibilities.

I am Lani Ledingham, the new Development Communications Consultant in the Community Relations Division at RDC. While our students may have shoes, a roof over their heads, and running water – their need for education remains the same as anyone else. They have dreams, goals, and need resource to make that happen. My passion is to connect supply with a need and execute in a creative way.  I believe that everyone should have an opportunity for education.

I had the privilege of living in England for nine months and have discovered the delight of experiencing other cultures because it broadens the blessed perspective of home. Through travel, I’ve discovered a passion for photography that has helped me notice details to be found in this beautiful world. 

After working at RDC for five years in the Marketing and Communications department, I am thrilled to come back on a maternity leave position for this next year. The draw about RDC is the people and the chance to always be learning. It’s an insatiable quality about the College!

While I’ve never met most of you, I truly hope that we can connect over the next year over ideas, questions, and opportunities. Thanks to the multitudes of donors, our College is growing and thriving and opening doors to those in central Alberta, and beyond, who are eager to start their education journey.