Adventures In Volunteering, Again - 4
For many the holiday season is bustling with excitement, joy, and the anticipation of what gifts Santa will leave under the tree, but some are not as lucky. As we join our volunteer Jeff, he is now a University of Calgary Graduate student pursuing his MBA at the Haskayne School of Business.
While Jeff’s family wasn’t wealthy growing up, his parents always provided a warm Christmas meal, festive family fun, a roof over Jeff’s head, and by hook or by crook arranged for Santa to make a stop at Jeff’s family post midnight-mass Christmas at Nan Dolly’s extravaganza (although this Santa was a shade darker than the one at Deerfoot Mall and looked suspiciously like Jeff’s Pakistani Uncle Tony). The spirit of Christmas was alive and well throughout Jeff’s live and it was something he never took for granted!
This particular December, Jeff decided to volunteer at Mustard Seed Calgary's Family Gift Centre. The Mustard Seed, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness, hosts the Family Gift Centre annually to bring joy to those less fortunate during the holiday season.
Jeff's decision to spend his Christmas volunteering at the Mustard Seed was driven by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to make a positive impact in his community and provide the same type of Christmas he had experienced every year of his life to those who were less fortunate. He wanted to channel his excessive Christmas spirit towards creating a meaningful experience for families facing economic hardships. In the words of Jeff’s hero Will Ferrell’s iconic character Buddy the Elf “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” and while Jeff wasn’t exactly qualified to carry a tune he did want to spread some Christmas cheer the best way he knew how: volunteering!
Upon arriving at the Mustard Seed Calgary's Family Gift Centre, Jeff was greeted by a bustling atmosphere filled with the warmth of generosity and the anticipation of spreading holiday cheer. Families in need were welcomed into the center, where they had the opportunity to choose gifts for their loved ones, ensuring that they could experience the joy of giving during a season that often magnifies financial challenges.
Jeff's role involved assisting families in navigating the gift selection process. With a genuine smile and a compassionate heart, he guided parents and children through the array of donated items, offering them the chance to pick out presents that resonated with the unique preferences of their family members. Jeff's enthusiasm was contagious, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared joy within the Family Gift Centre.
As families selected their gifts, Jeff witnessed firsthand the transformative power of generosity. The faces of parents lit up with gratitude, and children's eyes sparkled with excitement as they held tightly to their chosen presents. In these moments, Jeff discovered a profound sense of fulfillment, realizing that the true magic of Christmas lies in the ability to give and create lasting memories for those who may not have the means to do so themselves.
Throughout the day, Jeff's commitment to the cause became increasingly evident. Whether he was wrapping presents, offering a comforting word to a struggling parent, or engaging in festive activities with the families, Jeff embodied the spirit of selflessness that defines the true meaning of Christmas.
As the Family Gift Centre's doors closed on Christmas day, Jeff reflected on his experience with a heart full of gratitude. The bonds formed, the smiles shared, and the collective effort to make a difference reinforced his belief in the power of community and compassion.
Jeff's story serves as a testament to the potential for positive change that lies within each of us, reminding us that the true spirit of Christmas is found in the generosity of our actions and the connections we forge with those in need.
