Get to know our volunteer of the month, Armaan!

What do I do in my role as a volunteer?

I work in the kitchen on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, where I spend most of my time dishwashing, packing food, and cleaning up once the kitchen duties are done. On Thursdays, I help with bread bin packing. I arrive at MPNH in the afternoon to clean up the bread bins, then return later at 7 pm to pack the bread to be distributed to community members in need. I also regularly volunteer as an event assistant for community events, such as the Pride barbecue a few weeks ago.

When did you begin volunteering at MPNH?

I studied at Tupper in late 2022 and would regularly attend Homework Club, since I had only recently moved to Canada a few months ago then and unfortunately did not have much to do at the time. I often spent time with the youth workers from LMNH, and in December 2022 I met Ronja, who introduced me to MPNH and gave me the opportunity to volunteer by preparing ingredients for the yearly Christmas meal. I really enjoyed my time working with the youth there, and it encouraged me to volunteer in other places and spend my time more meaningfully.

Why do you volunteer?

I find volunteering here at MPNH and helping my community members to be a very purposeful and fulfilling way to spend my time. I love seeing people smile, feeling cared for, and having a good time connecting with others; and I believe it is very human to want to be involved with one’s community, which is why I do what I do : )

Can you share a story or instance where you felt you made an impact?

I was an event assistant at the Pride barbecue earlier this month, where I helped with kitchen prep, organizing the hall, setting up the barbecue, handing out food to attendees, and cleaning up afterward. While handing out sausages at the barbecue stands outside MPNH, I felt proud watching people feel welcomed and enjoying themselves, knowing I'd helped contribute to making the event run smoothly.

Your favorite memory at MPNH?

I haven't got a specific event in mind, but connecting with the staff while volunteering is what I will remember most from my time at MPNH. I loved working with the kitchen crew and spending time having nice conversations while dishwashing. I also feel deeply grateful for the help I have received from the youth workers, especially Shayan (who left earlier this year) and Ian. I've had a great time connecting with them, and I truly believe I am a much better person now thanks to their guidance. They're both people I will always look up to! Spending time with different community members here is my favourite memory, and those are what will always keep MPNH close to me.

Feedback from staff/participants:

Armaan is a reliable, highly motivated volunteer who has dedicated countless hours to a wide variety of programs here at MPNH. Graduating from several Youth Leadership programs, Armon continues to serve as a cornerstone volunteer for many of our food service programs, and we wish him nothing but the best as he prepares for the next phase of his life at UBC Okanagan.