National Volunteer Week spotlight: Ian Bernal

April 19 to 25 is National Volunteer Week—a time to celebrate and thank The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s more than 4,800 volunteers for the contributions they make each day so that people in our community can access food assistance. 

One of these remarkable volunteers is Ian Bernal, who joined our warehouse team in June 2025. Ian’s journey with The Food Bank is personal: he has accessed food assistance through one of our partners in the Community Food Assistance Network, and volunteering is his way of giving back. 

“The Food Bank is a good place to volunteer because it helps a lot of people in our community, including me,” Ian shares. “I access food assistance right now because I’m not working right now, so I rely on The Food Bank.” 

Ian began by volunteering one day a week with our Engagement program, which welcomes corporate and community groups to volunteer at our distribution centre and help with activities like sorting non-perishable food. 

Today, Ian volunteers four to five days a week and plays an integral role in our warehouse operations. Whether he’s warmly accepting donations from community members, sorting perishable and non-perishable food items, repacking and freezing large fresh donations in our Fresh Approaches Food Centre, or packing hampers on the hamper line, Ian consistently steps in wherever he’s needed most. 

Ian Bernal in The Food Bank’s distribution centre.

When asked about his favourite task, Ian smiles: 

“That’s a tricky question. All of the roles are my favourite. I enjoy them all.” 

Beyond the work itself, Ian treasures the connections he’s made with fellow volunteers. 

“I have found positive people here to uplift my soul and cheer me up,” he shares. 

Most importantly, Ian finds purpose in supporting others and giving back to the organization that has supported him. 

“This organization helps vulnerable people in need,” he says. “I want to be a part of that.” 

If Ian’s story inspires you, there are many ways to get involved. Visit our Volunteer page to explore opportunities and discover how you can make a difference for people facing hunger in Waterloo region.