Volunteers are essential to our work at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and have a crucial role in all aspects of our operations. From accepting community donations and sorting food to packing hampers and delivering food to over 120 programs and agencies within the Community Food Assistance Network, we couldn’t do our work without volunteers.

There are many reasons why people feel compelled to donate their time. For Precious Aofolaju, the reason is simple.

“I’m someone that is so passionate when it comes to volunteering,” says Precious. “I love to help people. I care for people.”

Precious has been volunteering at The Food Bank since September 2023. She started out in the warehouse, sorting food for Network partners. Now, she volunteers in the office and provides administrative support. In this role, she files paperwork, responds to emails, and answers the phone, which often involves accepting donations and providing information to people looking for food assistance.

Precious is pictured at The Food Bank.

“The thing that gives me great joy when it comes to volunteering at The Food Bank is talking to people, meeting people, and providing information to them about how they can access food assistance through the Network,” she says.

Having to talk to so many people has also helped Precious overcome a fear of hers.

“I don’t like to speak in public,” Precious admits. “I’m a bit shy. Meeting people and talking to people has helped me to manage and conquer public speaking.”

In May, Precious is starting a new job in an administrative role at the Waterloo Region District School Board. She’s confident that the administrative experience she’s gained from volunteering at The Food Bank will help her excel in her new position.

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.