Three hours of baking ...

And I believe I still have more to do, but that can wait till next weekend!

Let me talk about the rewarding experience I had, working for the United Way. This is not the first time I have had the good fortunate to work for this agency. In 2009 I was awarded the position of "Loaned Representative" from my employer, Assurant Solutions. They pay my wages, as well as any additional gas I spend in running errands, deliver packages or attending functions. It is normally a one-time-only position, but for some reason, they decided I should return for a second term. I was giddy when I was told. In fact I had tears in my eyes when I was informed I was the successful candidate for the 2011 campaign.

Even though I had completed the two week training course in 2009, I went through it again, as a few things had changed. They had added 4 different components of actual volunteer work. We spend half a day painting four different rooms at 2 different group homes. I cant paint if my life depended on it, but the people in charge thought my handy work was quite acceptable. We also spent an afternoon harvesting vegetables at one of the local community gardens. As soon as it was picked, it was delivered to those in need. An afternoon was also spent at the Food Bank. They were just ramping up for the Food Sharing Project. This is where each school in our county orders food for the many children who come in to school with empty stomachs and no lunch. The philosophy of this program is that children can only learn if they have some sort of nourishment. It still chokes me up to think of children going to school without eating breakfast and not having a lunch. Heartbreaking!

Another event we attended as part of our Loaned Rep training was the "Seeing is Believing Tour". This is where a group of employees from local businesses who support the United Way jump on a city bus and travel to four different United Way Funded Agencies. One of the stops was at "Lunch By George". I had been here before; two years prior. The first time effected me greatly. I blogged it as well as copying and sending to a few friends and acquaintances via facebook and email. Here is a clip of what I wrote: (August 20th, 2009)



....Next on the list was Lunches by George. A 'soup kitchen' type environment which started 10 years ago at St Georges Cathedral. There were 5 people there for 'lunch' when they first opened. Yesterday, there was over 40 clients there for a meal at 11am. Many tried to sit alone, as we were told that this was basically the only time they had by themselves, if they came from a shelter, or living on the street. (one of the men's shelters consists of 8 beds in a SINGLE room) There was one man sitting with his back turned to us and a big gold bible by his side. He sat with his head bowed, perhaps in prayer; more than likely trying to hide his shame. It was hard not to look around at the lineup for the kitchen window that was developing. I tried my hardest to pay attention to what the director of the program was saying, but my mind was elsewhere. How in the name of God could this be happening in the city of Kingston? My face flushed with the shame I was feeling. The biggest worry I had that day was getting my housework done before my husband and I spent our weekend boating on lake Ontario. What a spoiled person I have become. Cripes...at least I have a roof over my head...how could I be so petty?


So lets fast-forward to 2011. Once again we visited Lunch By George. There were 70+ people awaiting their meal. Many I recognized from my first visit. The bible man was there, but he looked different. He had on a nice pair of jeans and a button down shirt that seemed to instill some sort of magic. The bible man was sitting up straight, face up and smiling. The campaign slogan of the 2009 United Way Campaign was "Bring about some CHANGE" It had happened for him. Here I thought I would skim through my training, this time, without emotion. Not so much.

The fifteen weeks flew by and everyday was a new experience. This time around I was able to walk to a lot of the functions I had to attend. This meant I was able to park at the Ukranian Church lot with the rest of the Loaned Reps. Last time I had to take one the accessible parking spots at the United Way Office. I had a new knee installed the summer previous and I was proud to be able to walk along with my co-workers and not have to drive to an event that was only 10 blocks away.

Because I had been there before, I was developing solid friendships with many of the people who worked for United Way, as well as the other people who they shared building space with. This spilled over to the agencies we frequented. Most Wednesdays we walked up to the Boys & Girls club at the old Robert Meek School. They put on a $5.00 lunch and all proceeds were donated to the United Way. We got to know the people who cooked there, as well as the ones who worked in the Youth Diversion Program and The Music Lending Library. All good folk who I felt good about getting to know.

It felt like the time flew, and next thing you know we are preparing for the touchdown breakfast at the Ambassador. All of the Loaned Reps were not looking forward to returning to their old jobs...except for me. A new position had opened up in my department and upon my return, I would be involved in on-the-job training.

So in conclusion, I need to express my gratitude for the chance to give of myself and be part of an outstanding team of individuals who have and will make a CHANGE in our community. Once again, this is an experience I will carry with me forever.