Each year we earmark April as Volunteer Recognition Month, an opportunity to pay tribute to people who give of their time and energy for the benefit of their community. The Agape Centre has a team of approximately 50 individuals who spend varied amounts of time with us throughout the week in our Community Kitchen, Community Market and New For You thrift shoppe. Volunteers participate in the life of the centre along side staff and students all with the same goal, to feed our community. Sorting donations, hanging clothes, stocking shelves, serving meals, making sandwiches, packing groceries, and making appointments are just some of the daily activities that are completed by our dedicated volunteers.
Our ongoing Feed Your Neighbour initiative has been a success thanks to a community minded group of volunteers, concerned about the effects of poverty in our area. Their belief in the work we do, and their ongoing support has made the need to expand our Community Kitchen hours a reality. Saturday’s lunch crew consists of one staff and 3-4 volunteers feeding 75-100 people. The difference one meal can make is beyond what most of us can imagine.
As we approach our second year of overseeing the Cornwall Community Gardens on Brookdale Avenue and Race Street, we must recognize the efforts of Gilles Leger who tirelessly volunteers his time to ensure that each location is a welcoming and well-maintained space for all gardeners. We look forward to a bountiful harvest in 2024 and welcome everyone back for another year.
The value that volunteers play in any organization cannot be measured. Their contributions are welcomed, appreciated, and respected.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
April 2024 Statistics
Community Market appointments 1512
Hot meals served 2366
Individuals served 3281
New Visitors 67
