From Pastries to Purpose: My Journey

One of my earliest impressions of volunteering is the sound of giggling children lining up for pastries. At that time, that didn’t feel like it was “volunteering” but just something fun to do along with my dad. Afterwards, I realized giving something back is about more rather than just providing things, a way of connecting with all others, and showing one cares.

It started off with the Origin Church’s  UBC Bread Project: volunteers, including my dad, received extra bread and pastries from nearby COBS Bread  West 4th Bakery and then sort and distributed them among the students, their families, and sometimes homeless people. I enjoyed being allowed to give pastries to kids like me or those who came simply so they could get something to put in some bags. Additionally, it was at that place that I learned even slight actions, such as offering a bun.

In 2021, I joined the UBC Acadia Food Hub, a different initiative put on by Origin Church in coordination with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Every Thursday, I take part in the distribution of over one and a half tons of food for over 250 families, or over 1000 people. It never gets any easier. We do it all: load in, set up order, and help clean/prep the next week. It can be exhausting, but it pays off when I see how much it helps people. I have learned to manage my time better, work as part of a team, and commit even when tasks seem insurmountable.

This experience has helped me to realize how food insecurity impacts people in many ways. It has made me aware that many families suffer in silence, and helping them can be more meaningful than I could have ever imagined.

I will never forget one mother who came and thanked me, saying, “This isn’t just food; this is proof that someone cares.”

Her words stuck with me and reminded me that the food we give is not only part of what we do, but we’re also creating that connection and showing people we care.

Volunteering has helped me to grow in so many ways. I’ve grown much more confident, much stronger as a problem-solver, and resilient. It has also made me continue helping others in life and to continue dreaming about how I might further make an impact on bigger issues such as food insecurity later in my life.

From giving pastries to kids and food to adults, while volunteering at Origin Church’s UBC projects, has made it clear that small of acts of kindness could make a big difference.