National Volunteer Week – Karen’s Story

Karen has been volunteering with Homeward Trust for 10 years. Her involvement began in 2010, when she volunteered as an “engager,” informing people about the organization and its resources. She has participated in several events since then, including Homeless Connect, Homeless Count, the 20,000 Homes Campaign, and Welcome Home. In addition to volunteering at Homeward Trust, Karen volunteers for PrayerWorks at St. Faith’s Church, community leagues, casino events for Central Lions, and more.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Every person should volunteer. It means the opportunity make others feel noticed, appreciated and to help lift people up from situations they want to escape.

Why is it volunteering important to you?

I try to volunteer with the population that has been forgotten—the homeless. It always surprises me when I hear the attitudes of people towards the homeless. I cannot believe in this marvelous country so many people have no shelter. My heart breaks for those living on the street.

How are you navigating volunteering amid the pandemic?

I am volunteering more at PrayerWorks. We are cooking every Friday to provide food for marginalized individuals.

Can you tell us a favourite memory from when you volunteered with us?

My very first Homeless Connect. I was an engager and I truly enjoyed going out in the community and speaking to the people. I love the opportunity Homeward Trust offers to meet, talk to and assist the homeless/marginalized population.

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We recognize we are gathered, in collaboration and with joint purpose, on Treaty 6 territory. This territory is the traditional home and gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples. The nêhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux/Ojibwe), Nakota Isga (Nakota Sioux), Inuit, and Métis, among many others cared for this land since time immemorial and continue to steward it today. As visitors in this territory, we honour the importance of the Treaty and our responsibility to these communities. Only in partnership can we create the changes necessary to end homelessness. It is vital we meaningfully engage and partner with Indigenous people and communities in this work while recognizing and addressing the conditions brought forth by colonialism. Displacement from traditional homelands, systemic racism, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in child welfare, correctional systems, and homelessness are responsibilities we all share.