The Gathering Place simply could not exist without our dedicated volunteers, or as we like to call them, our Kindness Crew.
It is through our strong volunteer network that The Gathering Place can continue to create a safe and accepting place for people who otherwise would remain outside of the positive community relationships that assist to build personal empowerment and belonging.
As a non-profit, street level, community health centre we provide primary health care along with our community partners, to thousands of people who are homeless or precariously housed, through health and social supports in an inclusive, low barrier setting. We are rooted in respect, the promotion of personal dignity and care to all persons.
Volunteers Assist in Many Areas
Since Covid, the number of Guests has increased daily and thankfully hundreds of volunteers have come back to help deliver those critical services, but with the growing needs of our Guest population, we need more help. Without our volunteers, we could not offer all of the services that are presently provided. They assist in a wide variety of areas such as:
Kitchen: Our volunteers assist in cooking/serving 3 meals a day, 7 days per week with anywhere from 80 – 100 Guests for breakfast, 180 – 270 for lunch and 100 – 120 for supper.
Overnight Emergency Shelter: We have a temporary 30-bed low barrier shelter where volunteers are needed to help make beds every day, 7 days a week.
Social Room: Volunteers in this area usually offer a hot cup of tea/coffee for our Guests who arrive a little later in the morning and will often sit to have a game of cards, work on a puzzle, play a board game, or just to sit and talk. Due to COVID, we are presently not serving tea or coffee. Hopefully, that will change soon.
Sorting Room /Be Kind Boutique: Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are very gracious in donating their used clothing, toiletries, bedding, dishes, etc. to The Gathering Place. We have a large group of volunteers who first sort these products and organize them in our Be Kind Boutique currently located at The Gathering Place, 172 Military Road, which is visited daily by our Guests.
Please call (709) 753-3234 ext. 203 to enquire about donations and drop off times.
Computer Room: We have a computer room which again, is run by volunteers. Guests are able to visit this area each day as a way of keeping in touch with family members or to locate information. Unfortunately, the computer room is not open right now, due to COVID.
Hair Salon: We have a number of hairstylists who volunteer weekly to shampoo and provide haircuts to all of the Guests. This is again, a service not open right now due to COVID restrictions.
The volunteers at The Gathering Place work tirelessly to provide an amazing environment for all of the Guests providing a safe, caring and loving atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed! Without the volunteers, there would be no Gathering Place, so we are forever grateful!
Interested in Volunteering?
There are many volunteer opportunities available to suit a range of interests and skills, for those who wish to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.
If you are considering volunteering, simply email Jan Williams at volunteercoordination@gatheringstjohns.ca or call 709-753-3234 ext.101 for details.
Please note, you must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer at The Gathering Place.
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things an individual can do. We look forward to welcoming you to our volunteer family.
