Volunteering Makes an Impact

Often on both the client and the volunteer

By Marlucy Mandarino da Silva

My husband suggested the Abrigo Centre as a possible location to volunteer. He was already familiar with the agency’s work and knew that staff members spoke Portuguese. That was especially appealing to me.

I went to the agency, filled out a volunteer application form and the following week was delighted to receive a call from Abrigo’s Volunteer Coordinator Valeria Sales offering me an interview.

When I met Valeria, I felt confident that I could do a good job and be an asset to Abrigo. During the interview, I was nervous because I welcomed the opportunity to occupy both my time and my mind as well as help others in need. It got to the point that I begged Valeria to give me the chance to volunteer… every day of the week if they needed an extra hand.

I had a great first day. Abrigo’s free client Income Tax Clinic had just started and I was helping to complete supplement forms. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and work with Grace, another Abrigo volunteer.

In the two years since, it’s been nice to speak to individuals and families, get to know them and above all, be able to help them. I think that is one of the best things about Abrigo, you meet different people with unique needs and it is good to know that under the supervision of Abrigo staff, you make a positive impact on the client.

National Volunteer Week is April 23- 29, 2017. Volunteers create a positive impact locally and across Canada. If you would like to volunteer at Abrigo, contact Valeria Sales, Volunteer Coordinator, vsales@abrigo.ca.

(This is an edited version of a story appearing in Abrigo’s 2015/16 Annual Report)