Today was a whirlwind, but an incredibly rewarding one! It all kicked off with a great conversation on 4BC with Bill – thank you for having me!
A Well-Stocked Stand and Familiar Faces
This evening saw our usual stand at Musgrave Park, teeming with activity. A massive shoutout to Tania, Karen, and Nick for volunteering their time and helping everything run smoothly! The Coles donation was incredibly generous – 23 boxes of food! Thankfully, my Tetris skills came in handy for squeezing everything into the van.
We had a good crowd at the stand, and it was great to see the gentleman from last night who ended up staying at a shelter. He was leaving a bag in my car and mentioned he secured an extra night. As I was about to head out to help with a tent, he surprised me by offering his assistance. He said, "I need meaning in my life," and his sincerity touched me. Of course, I said he could help set up the tent!
New Friendships and a Sense of Community
We met the person who needed the tent and introduced them both. By the time we finished setting it up, they'd decided to be neighbors! This interaction was heartwarming, proving that sometimes all it takes is an introduction for someone hesitant about being at the park to feel more comfortable.
The need for tents continued tonight, and we were able to help two more couples secure a place to sleep. Both expressed immense gratitude, reinforcing the importance of what we do. Even after packing up the stand, Nick and I set up another tent for someone who approached us later.
Four tents, six happy people – that's what makes it all worthwhile.
Wrapping up the night, we restocked all the pantries with the generous donations. Back home by 11 pm – a long but fulfilling day!
Thank you to everyone who made this possible – volunteers, donors, and the incredible community at Musgrave Park. Together, we're making a difference.
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