Volunteer Rakesh always had a heart to help but didn’t know how to make it part of his routine.
After participating in community outreach during the 2023 Christmas season, the “profound sense of peace and contentment” he experienced inspired him to make a change to his weekly schedule. This is when Ray of Hope entered the picture, and in 2024, he became a regular Thursday night Hospitality Server in the Community Centre.
He has seen first-hand how guests play an active part in the Community Centre community. “They step up to help us physically, look out for one another, and do their part to keep the dining space safe, welcoming and fun,” Rakesh shares. “They are co-creators of the community we share.”
“The heart of Ray of Hope is definitely the people.” – Rakesh
For Rakesh, volunteering is a grounding experience. Tech entrepreneur and engineer by day, Ray of Hope has opened his eyes to new ways of thinking. “It has completely redefined my perspective on wealth, success, and the fast-paced speed of life.”
Rakesh brings a reliable and uplifting energy to the team. His energy, independence, and can-do attitude make him someone volunteers and staff look forward to seeing.
After each shift, Rakesh walks away with a little bit more clarity, empathy, and humility. He is deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Ray of Hope family. “The heart of Ray of Hope is definitely the people … Whether it’s sharing life stories, exchanging career and professional insights, or just laughing together alongside the amazing staff, there’s an incredible sense of shared purpose. Ray of Hope isn’t just a place where we give back to the community — it’s a community in itself.”
Another volunteer we’d like to celebrate is Paula, who you’ll find in the Community Centre every weekday.
She is the newest member of Ray of Hope’s small but growing Millennium Club, honouring volunteers who have served more than 1000 hours!
Paula can be found in the kitchen with a beautiful smile and a kind word for everyone. When staff describe Paula, the same qualities come up time and time again — humble, positive, calm, consistent, a leader within the team, and always willing to lend a helping hand to keep the kitchen flowing smoothly.
Paula first came in to Ray of Hope as a guest, soon after asking to volunteer with the goal of doing something meaningful with her time. “It’s working for me,” Paula says. “I just couldn’t sit around; I have to work. I’ve learned a lot of skills: my recycling skills, my budgeting skills, my working skills.”
“Everyday is a good day … We’re always laughing here. It’s my happy place.” – Paula
A typical shift for her, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., includes bagging to-go meals, making coffee, and serving lunch. After her shift, she likes to stick around and chat with staff, volunteers, and guests. “I talk to everybody in here.”
When asked what it’s like for her to work with the other volunteers and staff, she answered: “It’s fellowship.” For Paula, at Ray of Hope, “[e]veryday is a good day … we’re always laughing here. It’s my happy place.”
When she’s not volunteering, she likes to talk on the phone with her daughter and work on handmade crafts, including knitted tea towels and wax melts. Paula then likes to donate these crafts back to Ray of Hope for us to sell and raise money for the Community Centre.
She is a staple on the Community Centre volunteer team, and her service makes a significant difference.
We are deeply grateful for all of our dedicated volunteers that make our Community Centre so welcoming. Thank you to all our supporters and donors who make it possible for the Centre to be a compassionate, transformative space for both guests and volunteers. Want to join Rakesh and Paula? Explore volunteer opportunities at rayofhope.net/volunteer.