How a Former Food Bank Client is Giving Back

Samudri stocks shelves at food bank
by SalvationArmy.ca
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Samudri had a good job as a dentist and her husband was a school principal in Sri Lanka when the family moved to Canada for better educational opportunities for their children. But it was harder than expected for the Donas to find employment. On a cold winter’s day, they trekked through the snow to The Salvation Army in Scarborough, Ont., hoping there could be better days ahead.

“Giving my time is easy, and assisting people in my community gives me a sense of purpose.”

“We came to Canada with all of our belongings in four suitcases,” says Samudri. “We left everything behind―a house, a car, furniture and clothes. The months after we arrived were very hard.”

Samudri and her family lived on social assistance for nine months until her husband found work as a security guard. Living on a fixed income was a struggle and sometimes they couldn’t afford food.

“The Salvation Army helped us not to go hungry and take away a whole lot of worry,” says Samudri. “Every month we went to the food bank for assistance. They also provided us with vouchers to purchase clothes and furniture. ”

The food bank provided the family with food items such as soup, cereal, pasta, canned fruit and vegetables. One day when Samudri was receiving her food, she learned that volunteers were needed. Right away she knew it was something she wanted to do.

“I want to help others in need,” says Samudri. “Giving my time is easy, and assisting people in my community gives me a sense of purpose.”

“It gives me a lot of joy knowing that I can help ease the burden of people who are struggling.”

Every Thursday, Samudri ensures the food room is tidy, sorts and stacks items on the shelves and distributes food to those accessing the program.

“It gives me a lot of joy knowing that I can help ease the burden of people who are struggling,” says Samudri. “There are a lot of people in genuine need.”