My name is Gadhi.  I am a shopaholic.  To deal with my addiction, I am blogging on this site.  It has proven effective so far as I haven’t bought anything over the last two days since I started writing.  KIDDING!  😛

Joking aside, I am Gadhi Cruz and I work for one of the coolest employers in Canada, The Co-operators.

Why “the coolest employer”, you might ask?  Well, they gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to volunteer internationally for three weeks to witness first-hand the difference that co-operatives are making in the Philippines, a country much different than where I live.

I am a lawyer by background.  I started my legal career at The Co-operators Legal Department in October 2011.  I am passionate about making the world a better place to live in any way I can.

From May 5th to May 23rd, 2014, I will be working with RIMANSI, a not-for-profit organization serving mutual benefit associations and microfinance institutions that cater to the needs of the socio-economically disadvantaged members of the population.

My mission is to help and learn.  I plan to help by putting my skills to work at RIMANSI and contributing my knowledge in risk identification, mitigation and management.  I plan to learn about microinsurance from RIMANSI and its membership, and share the learning with my colleagues, family, friends and anyone who wants to hear about my experience.  Are you ready to experience this journey with me?

Through this blog, I wish to share with you stories of courage, resilience, hope and sustainability.  The world is a better place because co-operatives and mutuals—organizations that genuinely care about the needs of people and their communities and the environment—exist.