Stephanie Gauthier - Contributor
Life has few universal truths, but Carly La Berge has discovered one of them - the unifying power of chocolate.
91ƵPeople run up to us saying, 91Ƶcandy, candy, candy,91Ƶ says La Berge, describing her work as a volunteer lead with HOPE Outreach in Kelowna. For many of those La Berge helps in the community, that piece of chocolate can be the highlight of their day.
Since September 2019, she has spent as many as four evenings a week volunteering with HOPE. She dons her bright, pink hoodie, then heads downtown to meet other volunteers and together they hand out goods to people experiencing homelessness. These goods include water, food, warm clothing, harm reduction supplies, and just about anything else someone might need. The volunteers also take requests for items to bring with them next time.
91ƵPeople may not get as excited for these other items as they do for the chocolate, but those are the things that are really important,91Ƶ says La Berge. 91ƵThe chocolate is mostly a token of trust.91Ƶ
While the chocolate does help to build trust, her pink hoodie is just as important. It91Ƶs the calling card of HOPE Outreach volunteers and is recognized as a symbol that the person wearing it is trustworthy and there to help.
91ƵI91Ƶve met clients out when I91Ƶm not volunteering and they91Ƶre a lot more hesitant with me than when I91Ƶm wearing the pink hoodie,91Ƶ adds La Berge.
She points to HOPE founder Angie Lohr as another important part of that trust-building. Angie has personal experience with homelessness, substance use, and sex work. La Bergewas introduced to HOPE after hearing Angie speak at a conference.
91ƵShe was the reason I got involved,91Ƶ says La Berge.
It also gives HOPE credibility in the eyes of the people they serve.
91ƵPeople who experience homelessness generally face a lot of stigma and a lot of hostility,91Ƶ explains La Berge. 91ƵThey91Ƶre slow to trust new people, and that91Ƶs totally understandable. I91Ƶd be reluctant to take food from a random person, too.91Ƶ
HOPE Outreach is always looking for new volunteers.
91ƵYou don91Ƶt need to have special credentials to volunteer,91Ƶ says La Berge. 91ƵI made the mistake of thinking that and it kept me from getting involved with HOPE for years. It doesn91Ƶt matter how old or young you are, you can help.91Ƶ
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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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