When I first stepped my feet at the doors of Salvation Army Boundless Vancouver, I knew I was about to give my time for meaningful community work. Specifically, working for the Nourishing Hope Market has been very fulfilling because of the program’s uniqueness in its service provision. 

Volunteering in an organization and work culture that values neighbours brings a smile on my face.

Firstly, the community that Boundless Vancouver serves is referred as neighbours. Personally, I find this impactful because it diminishes stigma and negative stereotyping that can be associated with descriptive labels such as newcomers, vulnerable individuals, and low-income families. In addition, the term manifests our shared humanity, creates a sense of togetherness, and promotes a trusting and friendly environment between neighbours and service providers. Thus, volunteering in an organization and work culture that values neighbours brings a smile on my face. 

The program has hardworking staff and volunteers that work collaboratively to sort and pack food and groceries for our neighbours. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Nourishing Hope market opens doors to individuals, and families in a friendly and welcoming manner to receive free food and groceries for their families. 

The program is far beyond the provision of food services because neighbours who access the program also build safe relationships with Boundless Vancouver staff and volunteers through their regular interactions.

My participation in the program has allowed me to see the impact it has on the neighbours. The neighbours that Boundless Vancouver serves face social and economic challenges that impact their everyday lives. This program addresses some of these challenges by providing practical solutions to food insecurity. Additionally, the program is far beyond the provision of food services because neighbours who access the program also build safe relationships with Boundless Vancouver staff and volunteers through their regular interactions. 

The meaningful impact that the program has on the neighbours motivates me to give my time for a good cause, particularly at The Salvation Army Boundless Vancouver.

It takes a village to make practical changes to the lives of our neighbours who access our Nourishing Hope Market. Everyone’s work is crucial, from people who donate their money, products, and food items, to volunteers who give their time for a good cause. The meaningful impact that the program has on the neighbours motivates me to give my time for a good cause, particularly at The Salvation Army Boundless Vancouver. 

Elisha Tuyikeze is currently studying at UBC and started volunteering with us in 2022