Here at Yellow Brick House, we rely on our volunteers to provide essential services and support for survivors of domestic violence. In honour of volunteer appreciation week, we spoke to two volunteers and asked them about the work they do for Yellow Brick House — and, what motivates them to donate their time.
Joy is a volunteer who has been with Yellow Brick House for 15 years. She enjoys connecting with the women and children who use the Aurora shelter, as well as her fellow volunteers.
When a speaker came to Joy’s church to educate the congregation about Yellow Brick House, Joy was shocked at the rampant need for women’s shelters. She decided to start volunteering in 2006.
“A safe residence, comradery and helpful support are very necessary to enable and encourage the vulnerable residents to begin a new, independent and safe life,” Joy said.
Among other tasks, Joy maintains the Donation Room, receives and sorts donations, refills toiletries in bathrooms and manages the linens.
“The smile on a child's face and the gratitude expressed by an adult resident makes volunteering at YBH a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.”
Mary is another volunteer at Yellow Brick House, who heard about the organization through an article in the newspaper. She began volunteering in 2005, and spends her time in the same departments as Joy; arranging linens and donations, and generally providing support to the shelter residents.
“I believe in women helping women, especially where children are involved. Volunteering allows you to give back to the community and receive so much more back in return,” Mary said.
Mary recalled one instance when a former shelter resident recognized her at a mall. “I recognized her face as somebody being in the shelter and she said ‘I just want to thank you for the little bits of kindness that you showed.’”
Mary says people can support Yellow Brick House in different capacities; they can volunteer their time, money or resources to help women and children in need.
To stay safe during COVID-19 and help maintain social distancing practices, Joy and Mary are not currently volunteering at Yellow Brick House. They both look forward to returning to the shelter once lockdown restrictions are lifted.
