Stephanie Gauthier - Contributor

Life has few universal truths, but Carly La Berge has discovered one of them - the unifying power of chocolate.

91裸聊视频淧eople run up to us saying, 91裸聊视频榗andy, candy, candy,91裸聊视频� says La Berge, describing her work as a volunteer lead with HOPE Outreach in Kelowna. For many of those La Berge helps in the community, that piece of chocolate can be the highlight of their day.

Since September 2019, she has spent as many as four evenings a week volunteering with HOPE. She dons her bright, pink hoodie, then heads downtown to meet other volunteers and together they hand out goods to people experiencing homelessness. These goods include water, food, warm clothing, harm reduction supplies, and just about anything else someone might need. The volunteers also take requests for items to bring with them next time.

91裸聊视频淧eople may not get as excited for these other items as they do for the chocolate, but those are the things that are really important,91裸聊视频� says La Berge. 91裸聊视频淭he chocolate is mostly a token of trust.91裸聊视频�

While the chocolate does help to build trust, her pink hoodie is just as important. It91裸聊视频檚 the calling card of HOPE Outreach volunteers and is recognized as a symbol that the person wearing it is trustworthy and there to help.

91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檝e met clients out when I91裸聊视频檓 not volunteering and they91裸聊视频檙e a lot more hesitant with me than when I91裸聊视频檓 wearing the pink hoodie,91裸聊视频� adds La Berge.

She points to HOPE founder Angie Lohr as another important part of that trust-building. Angie has personal experience with homelessness, substance use, and sex work. La Bergewas introduced to HOPE after hearing Angie speak at a conference.

91裸聊视频淪he was the reason I got involved,91裸聊视频� says La Berge.

It also gives HOPE credibility in the eyes of the people they serve.

91裸聊视频淧eople who experience homelessness generally face a lot of stigma and a lot of hostility,91裸聊视频� explains La Berge. 91裸聊视频淭hey91裸聊视频檙e slow to trust new people, and that91裸聊视频檚 totally understandable. I91裸聊视频檇 be reluctant to take food from a random person, too.91裸聊视频�

HOPE Outreach is always looking for new volunteers.

91裸聊视频淵ou don91裸聊视频檛 need to have special credentials to volunteer,91裸聊视频� says La Berge. 91裸聊视频淚 made the mistake of thinking that and it kept me from getting involved with HOPE for years. It doesn91裸聊视频檛 matter how old or young you are, you can help.91裸聊视频�

Read More: High housing demand likely to persist, Kelowna council hears

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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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