When did you start to volunteer at OppHouse?
I (Jennifer Dinatally) started to think about doing “something” in the community 6 or 7 years ago. Because I love to cook, and food is love to me, I really felt pulled to serve meals here. I finally stopped procrastinating and signed up for my first meals five years ago. I’ve cooked here monthly ever since.
In the past year, you’ve served in so many ways. You volunteered at our major fundraisers, Souper Bowl and Wine, Women & Shoes. You threw local children a Christmas party at OppShop. You’ve organized back-to-school drives for the children in the Women’s Shelter for several years now. What’s been the most rewarding volunteer activity for you?
Honestly, all the activities I am involved with here are rewarding. The school bag drive was pretty cool. While I wasn’t sure what kind of response I would get, I was overwhelmed with the generosity from people! It felt amazing to drop off two carloads of book bags filled to the brim with school supplies. And I still love to serve my monthly breakfast. One breakfast doesn’t sound like much, but it feels like it does so much when I am in the kitchen. I love when people ask for seconds and thirds!
Why do you volunteer so much of your time and resources to Opportunity House?
Because I can. I have tremendous blessings in my life, and am so grateful for them. If I can be of service, then I will be of service, and I have never regretted living that way.