Volunteer Spotlight: Teckla

Teckla has been volunteering with us for 4 years, and her passion to help her community is proven by the fact that she has already given us over 1,700 volunteer hours. That’s an astounding 71 full days of volunteer service!

Having lived here for over 30 years, Teckla noted the growing need to provide food, shelter, and services to our vulnerable community. She joined us for a Saturday shift, which turned into a Sunday shift, and then a Monday shift. Now she volunteers as many as 5 days a week.

“I want to help these people. When I was young and growing up in Sri Lanka I was in an orphanage, so I am able to put myself in their shoes” she says.

Teckla brings an inspiring work ethic to each and every shift. She had a brief stint volunteering for our laundry services, but finds that the hustle needed to prepare and serve meals better suits her boundless energy. She also prepares and packages to-go meals that are brought up to the guests staying in our hospice.

“We’re like a big family here. We all teach each other and we all give a little bit. I’m happy to do it”. She reflects.

We’re so grateful for our volunteers; we could not serve our community without the help of compassionate people like Teckla!

Learn more about how to volunteer at The Ottawa Mission & watch our volunteer appreciation video below!