ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — On a day when most places are closed, those in need of a hot meal, a visit to the doctor, a haircut or just some companionship for a game of cards know they can count on The Gathering Place on Boxing Day.
Nancy Elkins, director of human resources, says showing up on a holiday is no trouble for their volunteers, who feel a connection to the people they serve.
“They know the guests, so they know that they’re going to want a meal today,” Elkins said. “The volunteers are the most giving people you could ever imagine.”
Volunteers are what make the community health centre function, Elkins says, noting there are 502 weekly volunteers, and another 1,100 volunteers throughout the year. Though they have many more people volunteering compared to previous years, they also have more people who need their services — about 2,000 people, Elkins said.
As well, the organization wouldn’t be able to operate without the money ir fundraises and the donations it receives, Elkins says.
While The Gathering Place could always use more donations, the support from the community it has received recently has been overwhelming, Elkins says.
“We’ve had children give us money from their birthday parties, we’ve had schools, we’ve had organizations,” she says. “The whole community has just opened their arms to us.”
From the kitchen came the scent of roasted vegetables, cheese omelets and sausage as several volunteers got ready to serve a line of people waiting for the kitchen to open.
First in line for brunch was Barbara Ann Abbott, who says the food is excellent, but the staff and people are what keeps her coming back.
“They just treat you like family,” Abbott said.
Inside the kitchen, volunteers were adjusting their aprons and fixing their Santa hats, waiting for the food to go from the oven or the pan and into the warmers, before being put on plates.
Volunteer Kelly McNamara said the reason she’s there on Boxing Day is because there are a lot of people who need help.
“(But) it’s really selfish because it makes me feel good,” she said, letting out a big laugh. “It’s a feel-good place, everyone’s so happy (and) there’s such an air of contentment here.”
Downstairs, mounds of bags piled on top of each other, filled with donations, were being sorted for the boutique, where guests of The Gathering Place get to pick out clothing for free.
To watch the room go from being empty two weeks ago to being as full as it is now is just amazing, volunteer Nicole Edwards said.
“It just shows how generous the people of St. John’s and surrounding areas are. … They’re awesome,” she said.
Edwards says she didn’t realize how needed a facility like The Gathering Place was until she began volunteering just a couple of weeks ago. Even the simple act of sorting through donated clothes makes her feel great, she said.
“You wouldn’t think it … but I love it,” she said.
As Elkins walks through the building, she often stops to speak with guests, either for a short chat or just to check in to see if she can help with anything. She directs people to the different areas where they might get what they need, always with a smile and a willingness to listen.
“They’re all wonderful people with huge hearts,” she says. “When you walk through these doors, there is no stigma. We look at everybody as being equal.”
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