‘An Evening with The Lending Cupboard’ proves an inspiring, community-building event!

Our volunteers - an inspiring group of people on so many levels!

By Mark Weber

TLC's marketing/communications coordinator

As we conclude National Volunteer Week, I just wanted to say how much I admire these faithful men and women who give so much of themselves each and every week here at The Lending Cupboard.

Over the years, I've written extensively about non-profit organizations in general and the power of volunteer support in particular. Time and again, leaders in virtually any charity and agency have told me that their mission just couldn't be accomplished without volunteer support. Full stop. 

It just wouldn't happen. You can have the nicest facilities, the most up-to-date computer systems, the flashiest furniture, and even top-notch staff armed with years of experience. But if you lack volunteer support, what you aim to do just can't take place. That's the simple truth of the matter.

Here at TLC, I witness every day how awesome our volunteers really are. 

They give. They listen. They welcome clients into our building with warmth, care and open arms. 

And that really matters, because folks who come to see us are often in a rather vulnerable state. Perhaps they are facing surgery (typically a pretty unnerving prospect), or they've been injured. Maybe they are picking up some equipment for a loved one, an aging parent, or a good friend who suddenly is much less able to live independently. 

There can be all kinds of unexpected events that can radically change our lives - and those are the moments when we truly need a helping hand. Long before I worked here, I was a client - picking up various pieces of equipment for my beloved late mom. I was always shown such kindness which I have never forgotten.

That's essentially what TLC is all about - offering those 'helping hands'. 

And that's where are volunteers come in. And not just the ones who deal directly with our clients. Others work 'behind the scenes' but in just as important areas. 

They receive the equipment back from borrowers, they sanitize it, they make sure it's in proper working order for the next person who will use it. These are tremendously vital roles as well that are of course critical to what we do each day.

As a whole, our team is awesome - they are multi-talented, they are so committed. And whatever the task, things are done with a sense of joy! There is lots of laughter around this place, and plenty of smiles each and every day amongst our team.

I want to say a personal 'thank you' to our volunteers here at TLC, and also to all the folks out there who volunteer in our community. Thank you for your generosity, your gifts of time, expertise and assistance. You are a treasure! 

Happy National Volunteer Week! And please know that we hold you in very high esteem all the year through :)