On Saturday, June 13, forty GenNexters headed out across the city to show that they GiveADamn. We had groups at five United Way Toronto member agencies where we helped with making lunch, barbequing, serving lunch, delivering meals on wheels, and gardening.

I found my visit to Good Neighbours Club (GNC) to be truly exciting and inspirational, not only to see the work that the agency does, but also to see the interest from the other volunteers who were with me. They were interested in the inner workings of the programs at GNC, the people they help, the meals they serve, where they get their food from – everything. I was impressed by the questions they asked and the depth of understanding they were looking for; they weren’t content to just help make lunch – they wanted to really get a good feel for the agency, the work that it does, and how it goes about doing that work!

After making lunch at GNC, we got an incredible tour of their facilities. Lawrence, the chef, took us through their food storage areas, showing us their fridges and freezers, and explaining their food deliveries and schedules. It’s really impressive to learn how they make and serve over 200 meals a day, every day, all year long.

Afterwards, people from the various volunteer groups met up at Pravda Vodka Bar to share stories and pictures. I loved hearing about other people’s experiences at their activities (look for some of them here on the blog over the coming days and weeks!) I also got to see their pictures, which will be posted here soon too.

Our first ever GiveADamn Day was a success, and I want to say thanks to everyone who came out to lend their support to our member agencies. I also want to say thank you to our member agencies that opened their doors to us: Good Neighbours Club, Sistering, Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre, Mid-Toronto Community Services, and Family Service Association.

Stay tuned for more volunteer activities in the coming months with GenNext – come out and show how you GiveADamn!