No helping hands turned away at food bank

By Alex Scott

The food bank at the Unemployed Help Centre assists in giving people who have disabilities the experience of having a job they otherwise may not be able to get.

People with disabilities from various organizations like Roots to Wings, Community Living and some students from the St. Clair life skills program come throughout the week.

People with these various disabilities find purpose by going to volunteer at the food bank according to Lynda Davidson, the food bank coordinator.

“One person came in looking to volunteer and it started a trickle effect,” said Davidson. Davidson has a background in developmental services which gives her the experience in understanding all of her volunteer’s strengths and needs.

Jordyn Bruner who has Down Syndrome has the job of bagging and stocking food.

“My favourite part is helping out and doing it with my friends,” said Bruner. Bruner has assisted in recruiting her friends to volunteer their time as well.

“I heard Jordyn was working here so I wanted to come help her out,” said Amanda Murdock who has been friends with Bruner since high school.

The volunteers are very comfortable with each other and communicate often to make sure all their jobs get done. They also rotate between jobs to keep themselves from getting bored of doing the same thing. The jobs done by the volunteers are very important as they serve many families in need, especially over the holiday season.