For Arnold, joining 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation wasn’t a grand decision or a carefully planned move , it simply felt right. Somewhere between 2018 and 2019, around the time of the 5-Aside tournament at the KCCA grounds , he found himself drawn into a community that radiated purpose and the true spirit of giving. 

“The volunteering spirit is real,” Arnold says, reflecting on his years with 4040. “For the longest time I didn’t see it as being committed or showing up. It was a no-brainer , an opportunity to give back or really just do useful work.” What began as a chance to do good quickly turned into a meaningful connection. 

Surrounded by people who cared, his motivation deepened. “The people being good ones came later,” he adds. “And I guess that solidified my resolve.” 

Over time, Arnold realized that 4040 was a space for growth. “It’s a place that welcomes people, works with them, and allows them to grow and improve in a good way,” he shares. It’s this culture of inclusion and mutual support that continues to inspire him years later. 

When asked about his most memorable 4040 moment, Arnold hesitates. “I can’t say I have one,” he admits. “If you have to look for it or manufacture it, it kind of defeats the purpose.” Still, one moment stands out , the day of the Angaza Resource Centre launch. “For a while there, it was surreal,” he says, remembering the pride and joy of seeing something once imagined come to life. 

Through 4040, Arnold has learned lessons that extend far beyond volunteering. “It has taught me how to fight for something even when it’s more reasonable to quit,” he says. “The hardest things to do are usually the most rewarding.” Working with different people has challenged him to grow, to be patient, and to become more self-aware. “Getting the best out of others forces you to get the best out of yourself,” he reflects. 

Arnold has also witnessed firsthand the foundation’s transformation over the years. “It has expanded in terms of people , and the number of active volunteers has grown a lot. The departments are busier and bigger. The Resource Centre, our property, the resources , everything has grown,” he notes. For him, 4040’s growth is a testament to the collective effort of ordinary people doing extraordinary work together. 

To new volunteers joining the 4040 family, Arnold’s advice is simple but profound: “It’s both fun and hard work. It’s incredibly rewarding , more so than you know. But it’s your work that creates the pathways to progress for you. The connections, opportunities, and more that come with being in the 4040 circles are earned. We value work and reward it with as much effort as we give it.” 

Arnold’s journey reminds us that purpose doesn’t always announce itself loudly .Sometimes, it begins with simply showing up. Through years of quiet dedication, he has become part of the heart that keeps 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation beating strong.