When Bibi shows up for her weekly shift as a volunteer at House of Friendship’s Neighbourhood Food Program, she has one goal – to make it easier for the people who come every week, looking for help to feed their families.
“When the participants come to you, they look so down,” said Bibi. “I like to cheer them up, by asking them questions: ‘How are you today? What would you like?’
“I try to put some joy into their life, to make them feel like they aren’t alone.”
When Bibi first started volunteering just over two years ago, she was surprised by how busy the program was.
“I didn’t realize how many people need help. They show up early, waiting to receive their food. That was a whole new experience for me.”
Every week at Chandler Mowat Community Centre, one of the centres where Bibi volunteers, 220 households come every week to pick up food for their families. And this is mirrored at five other community centres in Kitchener and Waterloo where House of Friendship also runs community programs. With one in nine households in Waterloo Region needing food support, keeping up with the ongoing demand is a challenge.
But when Bibi volunteers, she also works hard to build a connection with the people who come for help, no matter how busy they are.
When one woman shared that her husband was struggling with his mental health, Bibi was able to let her know about free counselling services available through House of Friendship.
“House of Friendship has all these services, I didn’t even know about until I volunteered,” said Bibi. “I was glad to tell her about the services we offer.”
A few weeks later, the woman came back to Bibi, thrilled with the results.
“She gave me a big hug and told me with the service he had, he’s doing much better. I was so happy I could help.”
Bibi said that she looks forward to volunteering every week, glad to have a meaningful way to make use of her free time in retirement.
“I’ve learned that everybody has a story to tell,” Bibi said. “Sometimes all it takes is someone willing to listen. A simple conversation can help people feel seen, heard, and cared for. If you can offer a little kindness and encouragement, it reminds them that they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.”
To learn more about volunteering at House of Friendship, visit www.houseoffriendship.org/volunteer.
