Long Time Volunteer is Honoured for her Commitment

For 14 years, Lisa Heinzinger was a familiar and friendly face to guests and staff at The Salvation Army’s Belkin House community kitchen in Vancouver. Belkin House is a facility that provides a home to the homeless and those who are at risk of homelessness.

Lisa volunteered five days a week, helped in the kitchen and organized the dining room for the guests that would come in daily. Her commitment to volunteering brought hope and touched the lives of many individuals.

She felt good any time she walked through the doors at The Salvation Army and enjoyed the social interaction that came out of it.

“Everybody there was really nice.”

“I like meeting new people and here I got to interact with both the staff and the clients,” Lisa said.

Due to her tenure, many of the newer volunteers looked to her for guidance. As part of her duties, she trained them.

“I liked going back because it felt rewarding.”

Before the pandemic, supporting the kitchen staff at Belkin House was like a full-time job for Lisa. However, this was all by choice, as she was doing something she loved.

“I liked going back because it felt rewarding. It was a great place to volunteer. Everybody there was really nice,” she added.

Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit, Lisa took a step back from volunteering. She also had an accident in her home, which caused some physical challenges for her.

“I have a walker right now because I had a fall and hurt my leg, but I’m getting better.”

Even though she has been away for a while, her dedication is still remembered. Alvin Chong and Olive Wu from the Community Development Department at Belkin House recently came to Lisa’s home to present her with a certificate of appreciation for her dedication to The Salvation Army.

Lisa said it was a nice moment and that receiving recognition meant a lot.

Despite facing physical challenges, she hopes to volunteer at Belkin House once cleared by her doctor.

By Juan Romero