Soup Kitchen

[Dizmo]

Well I've made this thread so I don't tread on other threads - hmm.

Cheers Blackadder of reminding me - I was engulfed in other things.

Well my mother and I did our first voluntary shift at the soup kitchen at Sheffield Cathedral run by the organisation called HARC (Homeless and Roofless at Christmas).

I really didn't know what to expect! I knew it would be a room full of people with no shoes and ripped clothing, I don't know why I knew that - maybe it just wasn't something I wanted to see as it would of broken me. Either way people seem comfortable and there was a hairdresser there cutting hair for free.

There were 5 of use and the head chef who didn't turn up till about 10 minutes in but because I've got experience in a kitchen and from the help of someone who had volunteered last year, we decided 'who needs a chef anyway?' All in all it was good fun and I got to speak to someone else other myself, my mum and my family.

One of the homeless guys had a go at me demanding food at 17:45 when it wasn't due till 18:00. Sadly I think some of them take it for granted and don't show the appreciation. Another woman refused to eat our sandwiches because she was on a diet - don't worry we catered for her but I just didn't expect it. I'm lucky to have what I have and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Next shift is New Years day at 9am - all day I think. The works! Turkey and all the mashings for 100+ people.

[Dizmo]

MAJOR MAJOR TYPO: "I knew it WOULD'NT be a room full of people with no shoes and ripped clothing, I don't know why I knew that - maybe it just wasn't something I wanted to see as it would of broken me"

[Caran]

Well done Dizmo, my sister in law and her hubbie do this at a shelter near Horwich, Bolton. She reckons it gives her a real buzz of satisfaction.
Anyway a well deserved thank you on behalf of all the people you helped.

[BlackadderV]

Congratulations, Dizmo, on a job well done. Unfortunately you will find that some people take this charity for granted and do not appear grateful. Do not let this deter you, and best of luck for New Year's Day.

[Mamyalynne]

Quite an experience by the sounds of it - of course some will be cantankerous and a little ungrateful they are a cross section of people after all - well done to you and indeed everyone who volunteers in this way.

[Dizmo]

It didn't deter me at all. I used to work in a kitchen in a busy restaurant so I was well in my comfort zone. Not only that I'm used to organising functions so knew what to ask and when with regards to food times and frequency of people eating. We had absolutely no waste and everyone went out the door full to the rafters.

I didn't realise it was possible to volunteer to be the chef otherwise I'd of done that for New Years Day as it is going to be manic. It doesn't matter though because the type of people who work with you as volunteers are such nice people - they want to be there and you're all in it together - basically what I'm saying is you don't need a leader, everyone just cracks on and does it. Not one person you couldn't have a laugh with.

[Psybbo]

You've put me to shame, well done Dismo.

[Dizmo]

Psybbo: I don't follow :)

[clyde59]

Good man Dizmo.

[pastafreak]

Well done Diz...glad to hear you enjoy it.
I'd like to mention that with volunteering people are needed all year round,not just the holiday season. One offs are just a taste of what it is like...what is really needed are reliable people who can donate regular hours. Any one reading this...please give volunteering some thought...it can be so rewarding.

[Dizmo]

pastafreak: Don't you worry :) I'm going to get involved all year round. I'm more than happy to give my time. My mum and I have been wanting to do this for 2 years but last year wasn't good for me as I died twice in hospital, as you know. I'm trying to bring this one in a better than the last :)

[anneasquith]

so true, pasta, homeless/unfortunate people require feeding every day :(

[BlackadderV]

Pasta is right, of course. Whilst we can all be sentimental at this time of year the need goes on 365/365 days. I have nothing but admiration for those who persevere throughout the year; I no longer have the physical stamina to do so.

[Dizmo]

For people like me who have never been homeless it takes this time of year to make you realise just how bad things are. At lot of volunteers who help out at Christmas then go on to help out all year round.

They are desperate for volunteers at Christmas time because a lot of people aren't willing to give up their time to do unpaid work. We were limited to only 3 shifts because they have to allow others to have a chance at volunteering. Well we now have 4 shifts because people aren't helping. Christmas is the time when getting volunteers is an absolute nightmare.

[Dizmo]

Don't get me wrong, they get loads of donations and I've never seen so much food in a kitchen but someone has to cook and serve it and someone has to supervise. I designated my self as first aider because no one else in the kitchen knew what to do with half the stuff in a first aid kit. We managed it and we all followed the personal hygiene and kitchen hygiene rules so it went smoothly.

I wonder if people don't volunteer because they expect it to be 'not very nice'.