I cannot believe it is already Christmas! The last year has been quite an adventure. Moving to the big city, meeting new co-workers, joining YYC Run Crew and turning 30. Not to mention a summer of crazy fun times! Reflecting on the year, I am truly thankful for all the experiences and for the ultra journey I am on now.
Holiday-Themed
My sister suggested that I make a Christmas blog post. I loved this idea but was struggling to think of an original idea. I considered a scavenger hunt or just a run down of my holiday plans, but ultimately decided on a different approach.
After watching a million Christmas movies, I was inspired to focus on those around me. And what a better place to start than with the many individuals struggling with homelessness that I see regularly during my runs along the paths.
When out for a run my mind tends to focus more on the moment. Hustling up a hill or suffering through a cramp, it is easy to miss these people that are camped out along the trail.
The Cause
I always meant to take time to give back to the community. But for whatever reason (my laziness..) I have not actually made it happen. Well now is my chance!
The Calgary Drop-In Centre is a facility that offers emergency shelter to the homeless as well as housing and health programs. It is located very close to my home right along the Bow Valley Pathway and I run past it at least once a week.
My Volunteer Experience
I signed up on the website for a lunch service. A good way to dip my toe, it was just one and a half hours out of my day to help some people get a hot meal. Also conveniently located only a 15 minute jog away.
Welcomed warmly by the staff at the Drop-In Centre, I was soon gathered in a room with the other nine or so volunteers where we were given the run down. Basically, our duties were to take plates of food and distribute them to all the tables. My guess is about 150 guests to be served.
Entering the dining hall, I took in the collection of people who were gathered. The tables were filled with a diverse range of individuals. One man, cleanly shaven working on a crossword puzzle, another passed out cold under a table. Everyone with their own story.
With the experienced staff and fellow volunteers, the shift went very smoothly. I received sincere “thank yous” from many of the clients and left the centre feeling a wonderful sense of fulfillment.
Take Aways
During my run home I took time to reflect on the experience. One resounding takeaway – I am incredibly fortunate. Just having the physical ability to go out for a run, not to mention the means to purchase the food and clothing that are needed.
Although I technically had sort of an ulterior motive for volunteering (making this post!), I still feel happy that I took a small part of my holiday time to do something charitable. It has given me a new sense of appreciation for the blessings in my life, including those who are supporting me as I train for the Sinister 7.
Wishing all those wonderful people in my life a Merry Christmas!
