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Staring at the same four walls day in and out was the push Pickering-based mom Stephanie Mendes needed to start volunteering.
It was the height of lockdowns in Ontario due to the COVID-19 pandemic when Mendes caught a news segment about volunteers with GlobalMedic — a Toronto-based international humanitarian relief organization — who were helping run mass vaccination clinics. The clip resonated with her: Mendes needed a change of scenery and there were people who needed help.
Without hesitation, she contacted the organization and offered to volunteer. She also recruited her daughter, now 13, and soon the mother-child duo started working regular shifts together.
“I want to instill within (my daughter) a sense of responsibility to give back to the community,” said Mendes, who regularly enlists other family members and friends to help. “Seeing so many people losing their jobs or having to go to work, not having the option to work from home, being exposed to the virus or spreading the virus, I knew I wanted to help.”
Since her early shifts packing food and emergency kits and assisting with crowd control at vaccination clinics, Mendes has never looked back. Currently, most Saturdays she can be found on-site volunteering as a shift supervisor.
GlobalMedic’s priorities change depending on global needs. One week, volunteers might be packing sanitation kits stocked with toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap, and the next putting together family food boxes containing peas, wheat, barley and rice to send to families in Ukraine.
“Donating money is easy if you have it, but a lot of these organizations cannot survive without volunteers,” said Mendes. “If people can take a couple of hours a week or month just to come out and help, why not?
“I want to give back, so that’s what I’m going to do,” she said. “I’ve met so many people from so many different walks of life. It has humbled me for sure. It has made me appreciate even more what I have. Volunteering has opened my eyes.”
To learn more, visit globalmedic.ca.
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It’s in her blood
For Janice Grainger, volunteerism is both deeply personal and laser focused. The Mississauga resident is on a life-long mission to encourage all able-bodied people to donate blood. Fueling her passion is her late son, Jay.
Without blood donors, Jay, who was born with a rare blood disorder known as stomatocytosis, would not have lived to reach adulthood. At one week old, he received the first of more than 400 blood transfusions he’d have in his lifetime. He died in 2011 at the age of 44 due to complications related to his disorder.
Blood gave her family the gift of time, and that’s why Grainger gives hers. The retired nurse volunteers with Canadian Blood Services and has donated 94 units of blood. She also founded the non-profit website, jaysangels.com.
“Without blood, Jay just would not have lived,” she said. “It’s the cheapest way to give back, just an hour of your time. You never know when you’re going to need it or a loved one is going to need it.”
Grainger, who also hosts speaking tours to educate the public about the importance of blood donation, said “I’m turning my pain into purpose. That’s the way to keep Jay’s legacy alive.”
Visit blood.ca to find out more.
Have time to give? These organizations could use your help
Out of the Cold
Serve up hospitality, warmth, compassion and healthy meals with the Out of the Cold program. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to help deliver hot dinners, take-out lunches and distribute warm clothing for those in need at various locations across the city. Visit:
outofthecold.org.
Toronto Humane Society
Dog person? Cat person? This could be the volunteer gig for you. Give your time and help improve the lives of furry friends staying at the animal shelter. Volunteers help with socialization, positive reinforcement and keeping the housing clean and comfortable. Find out more at: torontohumanesociety.com.
Daily Bread Food Bank
Volunteers here sort and pack food donations, stock shelves and assist with food prep at the on-site food bank to help end hunger throughout the year. Meanwhile, extra hands are always needed for the annual Holiday Drive, happening now and running through Dec. 31. Looking to donate non-perishable food items? Donations can be dropped off at any firehall across the city. High-need goods include peanut butter, canned beans, tuna, oatmeal and canned fruits and veggies. Visit: dailybread.ca.
Ronald McDonald House
For families with sick children undergoing treatment, the Family Rooms of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) become a second home. The rooms are a place to allow families to recharge in the hospital where their sick child is receiving treatment. If you’re compassionate with the ability to easily connect with others, the RMHC is often looking for casual and longer-term volunteers. Learn more at: rmhctoronto.ca.
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