Nourishing Confidence in Volunteers
Newly arrived in Canada from Mexico, Fatima first heard about Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House while walking around her community. “A person on the street recommended Sunrise Welcome Place, so I attended a conversation circle,” shares Fatima.
Initially, Fatima was quiet, unsure of how best to express herself in a new language. “When I first met Fatima, she was a bit shy and uncertain as she was a new immigrant to Canada,” says Eva Aboud, coordinator of food security programs at Frog Hollow. “Yet, she was very willing to volunteer.”
Fatima was new to volunteering with food security programs, but decades of experience as a preschool teacher and a love of working with children and parents enabled her to shine as a volunteer. “She was just a natural at connecting with people and making them feel good,” says Eva.
Since her first volunteer shift, Fatima has volunteered with a wide variety of programs: she’s helped grow foods like mint, lemon, and tomatoes, prepared food for children and seniors, distributed bunches of kale and promoted healthy recipes. She hopes her work with the food security programs will not only feed people but will also nourish their souls.
“I'm very happy to be able to collaborate in these types of programs that provide benefits to the community,” says Fatima. “Sowing the seed in children of a culture of healthy eating is very important.”
Despite a busy work and school schedule, Eva says Fatima is always willing to lend a hand with a smile on her face. Volunteering has not only broadened her community, it’s expanded her horizons, connecting her with programs and services that, before arriving at Frog Hollow, she didn’t know were available.
“She has built so much confidence and self esteem,” says Eva. “I feel that her volunteer experience has helped her find her voice, and so now she’s better at advocating for herself.”
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