Volunteer Spotlight | Susan

Today we’re spotlighting Susan, one of our volunteer receptionists!

While looking for volunteer opportunities after retiring, a quick Google search led Susan to Food Banks Mississauga. Susan has spent around 20 years volunteering with charitable organizations because it’s her way of giving back to her community.

Susan volunteers as a front desk receptionist, answering phone calls and emails and is often the first friendly face you see when you visit Food Banks Mississauga. She is sometimes also the first person that a food bank client sees and who they share their story with.

“I see the strength in people who have endured all sorts of experiences from economic challenges, losing their house to coming from a war-torn country – but still smiling… and so grateful. I really see the best of people in difficult times.”

Susan feels honoured to hear these stories because they provide insight into how food insecurity is affecting more and more people across Mississauga. She brought up an impactful experience she had with a woman who called Food Banks Mississauga crying, in need of food support.

“She had nothing in the cupboards and was desperate… had been putting off coming thinking she was ‘not as poor’ as others as she was a professional and was not living on the streets. I had to reassure her that the reason food banks exist is partly to help people live and not become homeless. [There are] so many misconceptions about who food banks are for.”

At Food Banks Mississauga, Susan feels in awe of the positive atmosphere and overwhelming need to help others. The kindness, patience and inclusivity she feels from clients to staff and volunteers is special. This was her response to why she continues to volunteer with us:

“I feel like I see these wonderful people trying to help those having struggles, and I too want to help them. The gratitude of so many people for food and information is astounding sometimes.”