Wed, Dec 24 2008 - Holiday Volunteering @ Good Shepherd Refuge (View Original Event Details)
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None of us really quite knew what to expect at this event. I'd never been to a shelter and I had many preconceived notions about them that turned out to be totally wrong.
Sister Joan warmly greeted us in the Prayer Room and then gave us a very detailed description of the work done at the Good Shepherd. We learned that they get just a small bit of funding from the government while the rest is generously supplied by private donors.
The Good Shepherd basically helps everyone, from hardened street folks all the way to newly arrived refugees who get dropped off with literally just the clothes on their back.
In addition to temporary housing, the Refuge assists people with finding permanent living arrangements by guaranteeing rent and negotiating with landlords. They also help with employment training, addiction counseling, and much more.
Our eager group was put right to work. Some helped by making beds. Others did heavy lifting/sorting through tons of donated food. Then came laundry where we all pitched in.
We broke for a delicious free meal supplied to all workers/volunteers. Then it was back for more chores.
For us it was a wonderland way to truly embrace the Holiday Spirit. This time of year isn't about buying stuff, it is about giving and sharing. Being able to give and share our time and energy was the most rewarding gift of all.
Stay on the lookout for more volunteer events in the New Year @ the Good Shepherd. This plain, unassuming building houses a lot of love inside.
Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Erik Sonstenes at photos@torontooutdoorclub.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.