After spending over 30 years in the field of education, teaching chemistry and physics to high school kids, Bill Richardson was looking for a volunteer opportunity outside the field of education. “I knew I was ready to volunteer,” he says. “But, I wanted to experience something entirely different.” Through a wonderful set of circumstances, Bill turned to his mother for inspiration.
Ella Richardson, at 91 years young, had been enjoying friendly home visits with Dorothy Russell, a regular volunteer with Mission Services of London. At Dorothy’s suggestion, the two began spending their time together at the Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre assembling care packages for the residents. These little packets include toiletries and other items which help make the residents as comfortable as possible. Bill observed the good work his mother was doing and thought this might be the opportunity he was looking for. “I went to Mission Services of London website and saw how easy it was to volunteer,” Bill explained. “They make it really simple, you can apply right there on the site.” Melissa Tiller, Volunteer Relations Coordinator at Mission Services of London has designed the volunteer section of the website to appeal to a cross section of Londoners. “We try and make the volunteer process as easy as possible for all ages who wish to volunteer,” she says.
Soon, Bill was introduced to The Gathering Place. This drop in centre, part of Community Mental Health Programs offers a safe day space, from 7 am to 11 am, as well as essential services to vulnerable individuals 16 years of age and older. “My primary function is to cook the hot meal,” says Bill. After the meal is served, there’s plenty of time for Bill to socialize and engage in some chit chat. “Sometimes, as middle class citizens, we have a tendency to avoid people who are disadvantaged,” he explains. “When I sit down and talk to these people, I realize that their aspirations and their problems are really no different than mine.” Bill points out that the men and women he encounters have just been faced with some unfortunate circumstances. “We talk about everything,” says Bill. “They all have mothers, and children and things they care about.”
Of all the memorable things Bill takes away from The Gathering Place each day, the emotional connection between the people he sees touches him the most. “They really care for each other and try to help each other,” he comments. “In our daily lives, we’re hesitant to even give eye contact but you have to know they give a lot of emotional support to one another.”
Bill has no intentions of giving up his regular volunteer job at The Gathering Place. In fact, his mother Ella still prepares care packages at The Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre each week. “She needs a wheelchair accessible taxi to get there but she still goes.” he says. “She’ll be volunteering as long as she is able and come to think of it, so will I.”
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