National Volunteer Week is April 16 to 22. Throughout the week, we’re celebrating The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s more than 2,600 volunteers and recognizing the contributions they make each day so that people in our community have access to healthy and nutritious food. We’re also featuring some of our amazing volunteers on our blog and social media accounts to learn more about them and why they volunteer at The Food Bank. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn so you don’t miss a post. 

Meet Subhashini Sundaresan 

Subhashini is pictured here. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the world grinded to a halt. For Subhashini Sundaresan, it provided time for reflection and a chance to try something new. 

“When COVID hit, I had time to pause and think about the things I always wanted to do,” Subhashini explains. “I started Googling actively for all types of volunteer opportunities in the Kitchener-Waterloo area where I could pitch in. The Food Bank seemed like a place where I could fit in and do my part without requiring any prior experience in the volunteering space.” 

Since then, she’s been volunteering at least once a week at The Food Bank. She often helps in our warehouse with sorting and packing food. She also enjoys volunteering at our signature events such as Canstruction and Waffles in the Warehouse. Canstruction is a week-long, annual event where teams build awe-inspiring structures with unopened food cans to raise food, funds, and awareness for The Food Bank. Waffles in the Warehouse is an awareness event hosted at The Food Bank that includes a breakfast and keynote speaker. 

Subhashini’s favourite part about volunteering is knowing she’s making a difference. She also enjoys the people she works with. 

“Every person I have worked with and have come across at The Food Bank has this wonderful energy around them to help others and that makes it very special,” she says. 

When asked what advice she would give to a new volunteer or someone considering volunteering at The Food Bank, Subhashini says that every bit counts. 

“Helping the community doesn’t have to be a huge gesture,” she says. “Even if you volunteer just once or twice a week, you will make a serious impact both to the community and to yourself.” 

Are you interested in volunteering? Visit our website to learn more about the different volunteer roles and how you can help people in our community access the food they need.