After a busy morning serving the community at our pop-up food pantry, we asked our incredible volunteers to stay a little longer so we could do something we don’t do often enough: thank them.

In honor of National Volunteer Month, we hosted a Volunteer Appreciation lunch filled with subs, snacks, cake, and plenty of well-deserved recognition. But the gratitude didn’t just come from us. Earlier that morning, we handed out index cards to food pantry recipients and asked them to share a few words of thanks for the volunteers who give so much of their time. The responses were sincere and a reminder that each volunteer’s impact is huge. 

Karen Guidarelli, who oversees Ontario Cares’ volunteer program, took a moment to address the group with heartfelt words for the people who show up, whether it’s month after month or just occasionally. Because it all matters.

Volunteers give their time and energy and ask for nothing in return. Events like this are our small way of making sure they know how valued and appreciated they truly are.