We all possess two main desires – to love and to be loved – and volunteerism beautifully encompasses both dimensions of these powerful desires. I have been a volunteer for just short of 20 years and throughout that time I have had many wonderful experiences that have positively shaped my character and perceptions of life, society and people.
Below is a personal experience, which a friend shared on Facebook and I hope it will inspire you.
Over the weekend I was helping out a friend and her organisation, Action for Justice, by selling clothes at a flea market in Queen’s Park. The clothes are priced very low since the customers are predominantly needy people who frequent the park. The main intention was to help those less fortunate so the money gained was a secondary priority.
This guy approached me and asked the price of a pair of shoes.
I said “$10”. He repeated: “$10?” with disappointment. I said: “Ok, you could get them for $2.” He then inquired about the price of the shirts and I said they were $5.
He smiled and said: “All right Sir, I am coming back.” He never asked for anything else. Much like the other men before him, he turned away and left.
About three hours later, he returned and said: “I want the shoes and the shirt. I have $2 for the shoes and would you give me the shirt for the rest; it’s a little over $3?” At that point he whipped out a pocket full of small change.
I said: “Sure you can.”
He was so excited and I was excited for him.
He took off the shoes he was wearing, which were really old and filled with holes. His feet were covered with toilet paper and he shared that the holes in the shoes scratched and hurt his foot, so he covered them to protect them. He put the old shoes in a plastic bag, took off his shirt, which was also filled with holes, and threw them in the garbage, then put on the shirt and shoes he purchased.
We all thought the new shirt was too big, so we offered him another shirt and a pair of shoes for free.
He refused nicely and buttoned his new, oversized blue shirt. He really looked happy.
And then this happened.
He said: “I really appreciate what you are trying to do for me. I have to tell you straight; I am a homeless person. I thank you for what you trying to do but I wouldn’t have anywhere to keep any extra clothes. I am good for now. Don’t worry about it.”
I was so impressed. I’ve done this for a long time but he was different. I thought about him a long time after he left (he left promising to return in a month when we would be back).
Although he was homeless, his clothes, though stained and old, were not at all dirty. His face, though a little tired, was clean and happy. He had no foul odour. From the looks of him he seemed poor but it was clear he took great pride in himself and took care of the little he had.
He never asked for anything. Never. He left and went and raised the money to purchase what he wanted. He did not want a handout. He only took what he needed. He wore a smile the entire time. He was clearly thankful.
This line of service can be hard at times but this gentleman restored my faith in my social and community work somewhat. This was a reminder that it is not about us, not for a second; so many people in the world need our help.
I ask those of you who donate to give quality things only when you are donating to the poor. Sometimes people give things that even the garbage should reject. Remember to be grateful that you are in a position where you can give to others and know that we can learn from and be inspired by anyone and any experience.
Thank you Kirk Humphrey for sharing this wonderful experience with us. I was inspired.
Corey Worrell is a former Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.
