John, Matt, Betty and Bethany are just four members of the Galbraith family who support the work of House of Friendship by volunteering.
Volunteering is just a way of life for the Galbraiths.
At one point or another the entire family – parents John and Betty, and siblings Matt, Bethany, Laura, and David – have all volunteered at House of Friendship.
The family’s involvement began when Matt was volunteer coordinator at Emergency Food Hampers. He needed extra volunteers, and he knew that he could count on his family’s help.
“I learned about giving back from my parents,” said Matt. “It was just the way it was – volunteering and helping out was what you did.”
John and Betty now regularly volunteer at Emergency Food Hampers, taking weekly shifts.
At Christmas, family members help out with the Christmas Hampers Program, either by packing or delivering hampers.
“I find it quite satisfying,” said John. “We are all walking the same road, and some people have more bumps than others. If there are people we can help, and we are able to, why shouldn’t we?”
The family’s involvement has even helped recruit additional volunteers to House of Friendship from Vidyard, where Laura works as Community Engagement Program Manager.
Vidyard’s corporate culture mirrors the Galbraith family culture – it’s one of giving back to the community, of making a difference. Laura said it’s been a great experience to have her co-workers get involved, whether it’s helping out at House of Friendship’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, serving meals at our Charles Street Men’s Shelter, or designing a mural to inspire men experiencing homelessness.
Laura said a “strong friendship” has developed between Vidyard and House of Friendship. She knows that if there’s a need, House of Friendship won’t hesitate to call for help – and if there are volunteers at Vidyard who are looking for an opportunity, they’ll be able to find one.
“We all need each other,” said Laura. “A little bit of help can make a big difference.”
Every year, House of Friendship enjoys the support of more than 1,600 volunteers throughout its programs. To find out how you can volunteer, please visit www.houseoffriendship.org/volunteer.
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