Fleur Besters volunteers at the Salvation Army's soup bike.
"Being truly committed to the people you work with or for, or the purpose you want to serve in society, is separate from pay. I notice this more and more in organizations. I had wanted to share something about the Salvation Army for some time.
About a year ago, Joep Kolijn and I became active volunteers with the Salvation Army. We are not religious ourselves, and actually ended up with this organization by chance. I had once tweeted that I felt powerless to help the homeless and hungry in our city of prosperity.
One of the people who follows me, Patrick, sent me a DM and said, "You can do something, we are always looking for volunteers for the soup bike. That seemed like a great plan, and Joep immediately hooked up.
And from the very first moment, we have felt tremendously welcome to volunteer. I have not experienced the "onboarding" as a volunteer so good and warm before. Really everything was just right. When we pointed out that a clothing kit including a warm coat felt a bit heavy for helping out once a month, as we had just donated winter coats to the homeless, we were immediately taken as a tip. A few weeks later there were yellow vests with the logo on them so that everyone could wear them over their own coats.
An app group shares tips, asks questions and shares photos of places where homeless people can be found. Things are respectful, and if you have a question during your shift, there is a quick response. Everyone can contribute thoughts and is taken seriously.
The sandwiches are made by a resident of the Domus House. So there we pick up the sandwiches, and wash the soup pot afterwards. There is always a good atmosphere there. No frills and after a few times you already feel you belong.
We had way too little soup yesterday. There were suddenly so many homeless people in town again because of nice weather. I wondered if we should keep visiting a certain place or not. I had shared that in the app. The comment was picked up immediately, because already tonight the coordinator called to hear and understand our experience well. And that causes me to share this story here for once. Because it endorses what I have felt for some time. You make a difference together. You recruit and retain volunteers by really seeing them.
Money is not leading. What you do, doing it as well and carefully as possible, is much more important. It's not about more and more, but making sure everyone feels welcome, and can participate. We as volunteers, but especially also the people whom organizations such as the Salvation Army, Springboard Foundation and also the youth workers of Lumens look after.
A bag of money will not solve everything, compassion will. When we ride the soup bike, we often see caring toward each other among the homeless as well. The most vulnerable there are also helped by others. And the situation is sometimes really distressing. People can be damaged in our society. Some people are really hungry. In our city. Don't ignore them!"
Text and photos: Fleur Besters (Studio Fleur Besters)