Volunteer Delivers More than Just Food to Seniors
For 15 years, Shawn McEwan has been a dedicated and consistent volunteer at The Salvation Army in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. In the past five years, his contributions have been particularly significant. Through the Seniors Mobile Food Bank Program he has helped deliver more than 10,000 food hampers to low-income seniors and individuals experiencing disabilities.
The mobile food initiative launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns. While most people stayed home facing uncertainty, Shawn, along with other brave volunteers, stepped up to help those in need.
“Volunteers are key. This program would not exist without them.”
“When COVID-19 happened, nobody wanted to go outside, but we were out there,” Shawn remembers. “People couldn’t get food, especially seniors.”
Seeing that need pushed Shawn to act. It felt like something he had to do for his community. Since then, he has helped ensure that hundreds of people continue to receive food support each month.
Every week Shawn helps pack boxes of food, loads them into a van and delivers them promptly. It is a team effort, especially since many of the items are perishable and must reach clients quickly.
Through regular visits, Shawn has come to know the people he serves. His deliveries offer not only nourishment but also a chance for connection and conversation, something many seniors lack in their daily lives.
“I like to talk to the people we serve. Some of them don’t have any family around.”
“I like to talk to the people we serve. Sometimes we get into good conversations. Some of them don’t have any family around,” Shawn shares.
Major Sean Furey, who oversees the program, says Shawn’s commitment has been crucial to the success of the mobile food bank.
“He is consistent, dedicated and faithful,” Major Furey says. “Volunteers are key. This program would not exist without them, as it is not physically possible for staff to do this alone.”
Earlier this month, Shawn was awarded a certificate of appreciation by The Salvation Army. He says this recognition is an honour.
“I told my wife, this one tops it all,” Shawn says. “This week, people have been coming up to me congratulating me and that means a lot.”
Although he is grateful for the recognition, Shawn believes the rest of the volunteer team deserves credit as well.
Looking ahead, Shawn has no plans to stop.
“I told Major, this time next year we’ll hit 12,000 deliveries. Then 14,000 the year after. As long as I am able, I’ll be part of this,” Shawn adds.
He also encourages others in the community to step up and volunteer for The Salvation Army.
“Volunteering is needed everywhere. Maybe one day I might need help and I will know someone out there will be willing to bring me food.”
By Juan Romero
Photo by Darren Taylor. Courtesy of SooToday.
