Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month - April 2026

Apr 16

Shodan D’Souza is the April “Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month! When Steve nominated him, he said “he’s somebody that I've seen around a lot, seems to be at every meeting, every event, every thing. And that's what matters. You know, show up.” Shodan is the team leader of the Fundraising Team, as well as volunteering as a delivery driver for Supper Club. His commitment and hard work are always appreciated on Work Days. On days when Shodan is an Extreme Teams volunteer, he can be seen working with individuals and throwing things into the dumpster. He also helps with fundraising outside of Work Days and solicits donations for the Art is in the Air event. Keep reading to hear more from Shodan about his experience with Extreme Community Makeover.

**How did you first get involved in Extreme Community Makeover?**
Shodan joined the Fundraising Team during the 2023 Work Day season when Angela was on sabbatical. He was looking for volunteer opportunities and found Extreme Community Makeover on VolunteerMatch, one of the sites that ECM uses to recruit new volunteers. Since his first Work Day, he was hooked. This is his second season as team leader for the Fundraising Team. Shodan is also a delivery driver for Supper Club.

What is your favorite story about connecting with volunteers?

On one of his first Work Days, Shodan and some volunteers came across graffiti on a fence in an alley. His first time following the graffiti removal process stood out to him. “During our lunch break, we go talk to Angela, and she said, ‘Yep, if you guys want to paint it, just make sure to get permission first.’” The collaborative process was new to Shodan, working with the other volunteers and the resident to paint over graffiti made volunteering with ECM different. The Fundraising Team often works with the individual volunteers who did not come with a group. “I've had great times, just interacting with volunteers and having a great conversation with them. I enjoy learning about where people are from, what they do, and why they volunteer as well. I enjoy those kinds of conversations.”

**How do you see the Fundraising Team making an impact?**

Aside from working with individuals, a lot of what the Fundraising Team does is outside of Work Days. Shodan notes that a lot of their work in the past has gone into the Art is in the Air event. “It requires a lot of reaching out and following up with the donors. I think the team does a great job with that.” Shodan is leading the Fundraising Team in getting more corporate sponsorships. “I'm super excited about this year. I’m trying a couple of new things with the Fundraising Team. Being a little bit more proactive and reaching out to individuals immediately after they participate. We're hoping to see some good results.”

How do you see ECM making an impact in Denver neighborhoods?

Shodan appreciates the work that ECM does, and the impact keeps him coming back to volunteer every year (and every event.) “The work ECM does, it's already impacted a lot of people.” He hopes that in the future, ECM will be able to add more neighborhoods to the eight that are already being worked in. “It would be great if we could add another two or three in the next two to three years.”