For Matt, volunteering with Edmonton Meals on Wheels has been a rewarding experience, marked with belonging, purpose, and compassion. Since last August, he has become a valued member of our volunteer team.
When he first joined, he had been searching for a way to occupy himself, especially during a time when he felt dissatisfied with his schedule and a lack of work hours. “To be brutally honest, I didn’t have many hours at work,” he admits, “and was finding myself sitting at home and getting bored.”
It was Matt’s sister-in-law’s father who suggested volunteering as a solution to his predicament. After signing up as volunteer drivers, they helped deliver meals as a team of two. While his companion navigated the delivery route, Matt was tasked with bringing clients with their daily meal along with a friendly check-in.
Unfortunately, this arrangement came to an end when his friend took a step back from volunteering due to health concerns. Unable to drive his own vehicle and wanting to pursue further volunteer opportunities, Matt inquired about signing up as a kitchen helper.
At first, learning and picking up new culinary skills seemed like a daunting task, but he quickly found himself reassured by the supportive and welcoming environment. “I find that all of the people who work here are friendly, understanding, thoughtful, and compassionate,” he admits.
In the kitchen, “it feels like a team,” he says, “and it feels like a safe space.” By volunteering in a supportive environment, Matt has been able to receive feedback and learn cutting techniques. Through guidance and training, he’s grown more confident in his abilities, and he hopes that he can offer the same support to other volunteers.
“I enjoy just being around people, and I like to help with their vegetable cutting — when they ask.” According to him, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping others. Even if he’s supporting clients from behind-the-scenes, he knows that his actions carry meaning.
“I have a big heart, and it makes me feel good to know that I can provide meals and help someone eat.” Matt comes by this mentality honestly, attributing his empathy to his parents who instilled a natural interest in helping others, especially “… people who are not fortunate and live pretty tough lives.”
With his affinity for helping others, Matt knows that the decision to volunteer with us is an easy one. Volunteering is so much more than a meal, but a way to bring comfort and relief to clients.
We want to thank Matt for being part of our mission, all while inspiring us with his unwavering positivity and passion for extending a helping hand to anyone in need.
