The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation has hundreds of dedicated volunteers who make such an amazing impact every day. One of these Volunteers is Maree, who has been dedicating every Thursday to volunteer at the Foundation since October 2016.
It all started when Maree saw a notice in the local paper seeking volunteers for the Foundation. Compelled by a desire to give back to the community, Maree reached out and offered to help, and says “I have loved every moment of it from the very start”.
Our famous Loaves and Fishes Restaurant, which first opened in 1986 and provides free hot nutritional meals to people who fallen on hard times, relies on its volunteers to serve the community. Maree shares her experience and favourite roles with us.
“At The Loaves and Fishes Restaurant, I am part of an amazing team that serves lunchtime meals every Thursday. We work hard to ensure each shift is a success, but we also have a lot of fun together. The camaraderie among the volunteers is incredible, and I have made some wonderful friends over the years”.
“One of my favourite roles is ‘being on the floor’, where I get to interact with our guests and assist them with their meals. The opportunity to engage with them on a personal level is incredibly rewarding. Here are a few special moments that highlight the joy of my volunteering experience:
Listening to Peter’s jokes or talking about old movies and music.
Receiving a kiss and a cuddle from Joe.
Having long talks with Brenda.
Sharing a laugh with Mick”.
These interactions are more than just moments of joy, they are opportunities to show kindness, compassion, love, and respect. I believe that by showing our guests that we care and that they are important, we are making a significant difference in their lives”.
“Volunteering at The Rev Bill Crews Foundation has also given me a profound sense of gratitude for my own life. I often remind my friends, especially when they are complaining about something trivial, ‘If you think you have a bad life, go and spend a day at Rev Bill Crews Foundation’. This experience has made me constantly aware of how fortunate I am to have my own home and the comforts in life that should be afforded to everyone. I will never take that for granted”.
Maree’s journey with the Foundation has been incredibly fulfilling. It has enriched her life with meaningful friendships, joyous moments, and a deeper appreciation for the simple comforts we often overlook. Maree’s and all our volunteers’ time is greatly appreciated, without them we would not be able to help those needing a helping hand.
Thank you Maree 😊
