It’s a regular date that Nancy Brooks and husband Mark Cafley wouldn’t miss.
Every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can find retired teachers Brooks and Cafley volunteering at the Mustard Seed, 625 Queens Ave., where they help newcomers sign up for food services and greet those they already know.
Many clients are on long-term disability. Serious health issues are common. Some are fragile. One recent client needed an arm to hold onto for support. Others use canes to navigate.
When Brooks asks how they are doing, they typically respond: ‘Pretty good.’ ” She rarely hears complaints.
“That is something that keeps me going,” she said. Clients are doing their best in difficult situations, and might be very lonely. Young and old, families and single people all come through the door.
A warm and cheerful environment, with friendly hellos, greets clients at the Mustard Seed where the team of volunteers sets the tone.
“They need to feel comfortable, respected and safe,” Brooks said.
Volunteer Rob Reinhart is in the Mustard Seed one day a week for four hours sorting food donations. He believes that giving is a chief ingredient in one’s own happiness.
He has been donating time for more than four years.
“When we give, that actually gives us a sense of fulfilment, a sense of happiness, a sense of accomplishment.”
Laura Podgorenko, has been volunteering for three years, after a 35-year career as a B.C. public servant, including serving as an assistant deputy minister.
Spurred by an interest in learning more about people in need, she has completed courses in mental health and drug addiction, sponsored by the Mustard Seed. At first she was volunteering almost full time, helping with policy and procedures using her business skills.
Now she comes in on Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m. on the reception desk, and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the guest services area where clients pick up their food.
Volunteering is fulfilling, Podgorenko said.
She likes the routine of the work, feeling needed, helping others and being able to take the time to listen to clients. It is also a reminder of how fortunate many of us are.
After her public service career, “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the other part of my life.”
These three are among a team of volunteers who regularly dedicate time to the food bank.
Donations of food, money, and new toys for children are especially welcome this time of year. Donations for youngsters ages 13 to 17 are needed, said Allan Lingwood, Mustard Seed director of development, who suggested gift cards for shopping centres, recreation centres, and music, and movies passes.
An annual Christmas dinner is part of the organization’s efforts.
This year it was held Dec. 4, sponsored by the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, at the Bay Street Armoury, 713 Bay St.
A total of 665 meals were served, Lingwood said.
The Times Colonist Christmas Fund is also one of the sponsors of the 1,200 Christmas hampers being handed out this year.
How to donate
Since 1956, this newspaper has collected money to benefit the less fortunate. Last year, through the Christmas Fund, we raised and distributed about $320,000, and we hope to beat that total this year.
To donate, go online to: timescolonist.com/donate. You will be directed to a Canada Helps donation form; once you make your donation, a tax receipt will be provided immediately.
Or mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, V8T 4M2.
You can use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside those hours, messages will be accepted.
