Squamish Helping Hands Society

First month in

More than just serving supper

A month into helping serve supper at the local homeless shelter, I’ve come to realize just how much of a privilege it is to lend a hand. My wife has always given back in different ways, and she’s an inspiration to me to be a better person. Her example motivated me to start helping out too. It’s only two hours a week—really not much—but it’s something, and it feels like it matters.

I mentioned in the Flipper’s Fury blog that I love food and serving it, and this is an extension of that. My first job was in a restaurant, and though it was stressful, that’s where I discovered a huge part of myself. I love serving people, seeing them smile, and being part of their experience around food. It’s a feeling I still crave, so volunteering here feels like a natural fit. It’s also a little like my quest to learn how to code. As a product manager, I’m always watching the developers build the product just like how, in restaurants, I was always serving, not making the food. Volunteering here lets me get a little closer to the ‘building’ side of things. Funny how when you write things down, the connections start to make sense. My career has always been with the customer - I love that AND I also want to contribute to how the sausage is made, so to speak.

In the few times I’ve volunteered, I’ve been filled with joy. I’ve helped in a number of ways in the kitchen, but what really stands out is interacting with the people in line. These are people who have stumbled on hard times. Society often labels them as the “lowest class,” but in reality, they are just like us. I love cracking jokes and seeing them smile. Some are having bad days, others are weaning off a high, and some seem fine outwardly, but are likely struggling in ways we can’t see. What I find inspiring, though, is the sense of community they have. Despite all the differences, they coexist—supporting each other, and often finding a bit of joy in the midst of hardship. Volunteering here has truly humanized them in ways that go beyond just serving a meal.