It’s Thursday and a dozen people are in the I Belong Centre’s (IBC) bright and expansive multi-purpose room. They’re trying something new in one of L’Arche’s art classes. It’s a different art media, which makes it a learning experience, not to mention fun and inspiring.
What’s your passion?
Debby Howard is an art lover. She uses it to express herself and encourages others to do the same in a weekly art program at the IBC called, ‘Exploring Art Together’, which she co-facilitates with Sandy Schultz and Jenny Yurkewich. All three women, volunteers at L’Arche, believe that art is for everyone.
Bob Rasmus is a builder who owned a construction company for about 30 years and has worked with wood for more than five decades. With the help of several volunteers, he leads a workshop called ‘Building with Bob’ where participants prepare a variety of projects for home and garden. He enjoys seeing the pride and joy on participants’ faces when they look at a project that they’ve built themselves.
Bob, Debby, Sandy and Jenny demonstrate how people bring their gifts and, most importantly, themselves to L’Arche.
“The beauty of volunteering at L’Arche is that there are so many different things you can do,” says Hervé Monier, L’Arche Comox Valley’s Volunteer and Outreach Program Coordinator. Hervé explains that the organization’s approach is simple. “We invite people with and without disabilities to come together and share their time, gifts and skills.
“If you like to garden, play games, fix things, plan events, play an instrument, go for walks… there’s a place for you at L’Arche as a volunteer. You can work one-on-one with someone or in a group setting, you decide. Positivity is the only pre-requisite.”
A little bit of time or a lot
While some L’Arche volunteers invest many hours per month, it’s up to each person. “It’s about what fits your lifestyle,” says Hervé. “You can volunteer one time at an event, do something once in a while or every week.”
Carli Kennedy is another L’Arche volunteer who’s making it work. A conveyancer with Darryl Robbins & Company, Carli volunteers once a week over the lunch period, helping L’ArcheWorx participants create candles. And every fall she can be found helping at L’Arche’s Hootenanny Harvest event and selling L’ArcheWorx products at Fiesta World Craft Bazaar.
“Back in 2017 I learned about L’Arche on Facebook and I’ve been volunteering ever since,” explains Carli. “I like the people here, it’s a good feeling and a great reset for me each week. When I walk through the door at the IBC, I can feel myself relax.”
The benefits of volunteering
“I get back as much or more than I give,” says Debby with a soft smile, “I’m so happy to be a part of L’Arche. This community gives me hope for the world and that’s meaningful for me.”
Debby, who has a background in biology and education, worked with North Island College for more than 20 years. In 2003 she moved from Port Hardy to the Valley with her family. That’s when she found a volunteer opportunity with the Special Olympics and heard about L’Arche, and their need for help with their arts program.
“I love teaching and I love learning,” says Debby. “I can do them both with L’Arche.”
Like Debby, each volunteer has their own story about how they found L’Arche and why they volunteer. “Regardless of how you find us,” says Hervé, “or how much time you volunteer, we are grateful for your time and your willingness to share a part of yourself.”
