A Meaningful February at Belkin House

On February 15 and 22, we had the opportunity to return to Belkin House for another round of volunteering, and yes, it felt just as meaningful as ever.

Although the tasks were familiar, kitchen duty and supporting the clothing drive, we brought the same energy and enthusiasm. There’s something special about returning to a place you know: the comfort of familiarity mixed with the excitement of new conversations and connections. Each visit reminds us that even when the tasks are the same, the experience is always new because of the people we meet along the way.

Our returning volunteers: Nav, Julie, John, and Jan, jumped right in because they know the drill. But more importantly, they come back because they truly value and appreciate the experience.

Nav shared that he sees the Belkin community as his own. Having grown up in the same area where Belkin House is located, he feels a deep connection to the neighbourhood and resonates strongly with the organization’s mission. For him, volunteering here is personal, it’s about giving back to a community that shaped him.

Julie, one of the newer members of our Volunteer Wave program, continues to impress us with her dedication. At such a young age, she consistently shows up on time, supports her teammates without hesitation, and brings such positive energy to every shift. And yes, she may occasionally sneak a little whipped cream for a quick sugar boost (we won’t tell!). It’s these small, joyful moments that make volunteering even more memorable.

Jan and John never hesitate to make the journey into Vancouver to lend a helping hand. Their willingness to travel and contribute says everything about their generosity and commitment to help. You can always count on them to be there and help out.

We were also joined by new volunteers Solana, Sophia, and Marcela, who recently discovered our program. They admitted that cooking wasn’t exactly their forte, but with guidance from Chef Mom, everything became simple and enjoyable. His patience and clear instructions made it easy for them to follow along, and before long, they were confidently chopping vegetables and preparing dishes from scratch. Watching them discover joy in something unfamiliar was a beautiful reminder that volunteering is also about learning and growing.

The entire team at Belkin House made the experience smooth from start to finish. From the welcoming front desk staff to the kitchen crew, everyone ensures that volunteers feel supported. We’re especially grateful for Chef Mom’s thoughtfulness, always setting aside a vegetarian dish for Jan during lunch break. It’s those small gestures of care that make a big difference.

Beyond the kitchen, our team also brought donations to contribute to the clothing drive. The Belkin House staff made the process seamless by organizing and clearly labeling boxes in the basement, which really helped us to work efficiently. The space is always impressively organized, and we definitely do our best to keep up!

One of the most meaningful parts of the clothing drive is tabling and interacting with residents. We love hearing their stories, sharing conversations, and making genuine connections. The more we learn about the community, the more we want to return. These relationships are what truly make the experience impactful.

Ending February at Belkin House was a gift. Being part of a community like this reminds us why we continue to do what we do. Hearing our volunteers reflect on what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and the ways they’ve been able to support residents reinforces the purpose behind our mission.

It’s more than kitchen duty. It’s more than organizing clothes. It’s connection. It’s community. And we’re already looking forward to coming back.