My name is Troy Dettwiler (he/him) and I value community, nature, and wellbeing. I live in Downtown Kitchener with my partner, Neil Moser, and our dog Derby. My formal post-secondary education includes an Advanced Diploma in Film and Television Production from Humber College, along with Undergraduate courses in Environment, Business, and Communications from University of Waterloo and Athabasca University. My full-time career is an IT Support Specialist with the Waterloo Region District School Board. I’ve also run my own freelance Communications business that included representing major American food companies in Canada, editing podcasts for a company based out of Japan, and providing digital media services for several small-medium sized businesses in Waterloo Region.
Recently I was hired as Spectrum’s Sports Coordinator. In my free time, I love being physically active; you’ll often find me at A.R. Kaufman YMCA, Bluevale’s Calisthenics park, on a trail, or just walking around Kitchener with my partner and dog. When I’m not being active, I enjoy playing board games, cooking, and spending time with friends.
What led you to volunteer at SPECTRUM?
After working and volunteering in high schools, I missed the events, connections, and experiences. I also didn’t have many friends connected to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and I thought building some of these connections might help general feelings of loneliness. Usually I am turned off by social or peer support groups, but the idea of Multi-Sport really got me excited to try it out.
Why is SPECTRUM important to you?
SPECTRUM’s Multi-Sport has become a large part of my social life. I don’t really enjoy late nights, drinking, and partying, so it has helped me connect with new people that have similar values and understand my identity. I feel valued and supported by the organization, staff, volunteers, and participants. I’ve also built new leadership skills and confidence interacting with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
How does volunteering help you develop a sense of belonging or community?
Each week I get to meet and interact with at least one new person. While not everyone comes back week after week, slowly we are building a group of people that enjoy spending time together. More importantly, I have made some great new friends. I often used to feel a need to get away from the city on weekends, but now I am counting down the hours until the next event.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Lately I’ve been enjoying THE DRIVER ERA, Purple Disco Machine, and Winnetka Bowling League.