Stories

Dedication and caring offered for 25 years

Sitting with the meal servers from Our Lady of Sorrows, you can feel the excitement when they talk about helping at Good Shepherd Centre – something they do monthly. “I’m a rookie,” quips Tom Letson, “it’s my first year.” When asked what he likes about serving at Good Shepherd, Tom says it’s the embodiment of Christianity, the camaraderie of the experience and the tone and attitude towards what we are doing – a feeling that is attributed to David Bird, the organizer for Group One. 

Split into two serving groups – each covering one hour of the 2 hour afternoon meal service- one gets the feeling that these group members have a commitment to Good Shepherd that is a true calling. The group members have seen many changes over the years – different faces – more women and immigrants but all in need and served well by Good Shepherd volunteers and staff. All agree it is a wonderful thing and the clients are grateful. When the serving time is done, Greg Hornberger says what’s on everyone’s mind, “We’re tired when we’re done, but we feel good – it’s a good thing to do.”

Group 2, led by Patricia Murray, has been serving meals at Good Shepherd for many years (some for 4 years, most upward to 25 years). When the Centre was under renovation years ago, the group served for a year in portables across the street [at St. Paul’s Basilica]. It was challenging but the clients were co-operative and understanding. “We’ve seen some of the same faces for 20 years”, says Kathleen Stanley, “but we see a lot more of the young people too”, the group nods in unison “Years ago, there were more pick-up jobs, unloading trucks, that kind of thing – those jobs are gone now”, comments Pat Murray. The recent downturn in the economy has affected many people and our clients know, to stretch their income a little more (for those who have one), they can enjoy a well- balanced meal at Good Shepherd Centre. 

When asked why they have been serving for so many years and continue to do so, Pat speaks for everyone “We would miss it – with so many things out there that aren’t worthwhile – this is real.”