Volunteer Story: Jose

When the pandemic first struck, Frog Hollow’s Food Security Program struggled to find a driver willing to deliver emergency food bags to needing families in the community. Jose was one of the volunteers who signed up to help us deliver the food bags on a regular basis.

“I saw so many first responders, doctors, nurses, everybody was working so hard,” Jose recalled how he started. “I was trying to emulate what they do.. you know… (if)they can do that, I will try to do my part, even though it’s a small thing.”

Every week, after our staff packed food bags, Jose would come to Frog Hollow and pick up the bags and drop them off to the families in the Hastings-sunrise community.

After a few deliveries, Jose realized, this meant more than just receiving food bags, “I thought I’m just gonna be a delivery guy…but when I see their smiles, I started realizing they were really in need, and (the delivery) made a difference on their table…you got some acquaintance, you started talking, and they tell you their problems. This creates bonding. “

“He has this very cheerful spirit and vibe that brought some lightness to our families during these testing times.” says Eva, Frog Hollow’s Food Security Coordinator, “Jose has no idea how important his delivery was to these families. They are in dire needs for daily meals”.

Jose is originally from Columbia. He moved to Canada with his wife 20 years ago. He first worked as a roofer, then he got a Master’s degree that landed him a job at an engineering company. “I find we immigrants receive so much from the society…because of the resources, my kids are healthy, they are safe, and we just really want to give back”.

When Jose turned 50, he hit a low point in his life, “I am 50 and what I am gonna do with my life.. I was trying to find something… some purposes”. He went on iVolunteer website and signed up for volunteering opportunities at local charities and Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House.

“I found that interesting… so neighbourhood houses and streets.. wow.. the side of Canada I didn’t know of”. Jose found purpose in this voluntary work and felt fulfilled. “It really helps me…I feel like I’m going to be part of this for as far as I can… I mean just some spare time, and I can still move a box. I want to do it.”

Jose and his wife have 2 kids. He sometimes brings his kids to volunteer, “..so they understood that people in need and .. with a little effort.. you can help so much. Though my son doesn’t come with me now, he sees what I’m doing. I think that’s gonna help him in the future.”.

Empowering Social Inclusion Through
Community Engagement

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“Volunteering helps you gain a sense of community…to give back to the community that has raised you.“

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