Louanne
How long have you volunteered with the Booth Centre?
I’ve slightly lost track of how long I’ve volunteered at the booth centre, due to pandemic time warp!!! But I think I started in early 2018.
What do you normally do when you volunteer?
When I signed up, I wanted to get involved with all the activities- especially art, but in fact 99% of the time I help on reception, so that’s quite funny!! Reception is good, I feel useful and I enjoy welcoming everyone. In the past I’ve done a few stints in the kitchen. I’m happy to do whatever is needed, that’s the point of being a volunteer, I think.
What’s your favourite thing about volunteering at the Booth Centre?
My favourite thing about volunteering at the centre is definitely the people you meet and the times when you feel you’ve made a little bit of difference to someone’s day, even if it’s something very small. I love giving people things that have been donated. Recently I helped sort out the store room and I found loads of goodies to distribute. Some people were really chuffed with a t-shirt or a reusable water bottle or a batch of toiletries.
Have any of your perceptions around homelessness changed since volunteering at the Booth Centre?
I think I already had an idea before the booth centre that the stereotypical idea of people who are homeless was wrong and not the case. But nothing prepares you for the different stories you hear and how hard some people’s lives have been. It is very humbling.
Any hobbies or interests that you’d like to share?
Hobbies, well … I do like to swim which may have been mentioned. I am the centres very own Wim Hoff!! I like winter swimming. In summer I swim longer distances. I might sign up for a 10km swim in September, if I don’t get an injury. I’m also interested in art and I draw a bit. I volunteer at HOME as well.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for anyone thinking of volunteering at the Booth Centre?
To future volunteers - do it!! Sign up, the Booth Centre is a very special place. I can honestly say you will get out way WAY more than you put in. Go for it!
I’ve slightly lost track of how long I’ve volunteered at the booth centre, due to pandemic time warp!!! But I think I started in early 2018.
What do you normally do when you volunteer?
When I signed up, I wanted to get involved with all the activities- especially art, but in fact 99% of the time I help on reception, so that’s quite funny!! Reception is good, I feel useful and I enjoy welcoming everyone. In the past I’ve done a few stints in the kitchen. I’m happy to do whatever is needed, that’s the point of being a volunteer, I think.
What’s your favourite thing about volunteering at the Booth Centre?
My favourite thing about volunteering at the centre is definitely the people you meet and the times when you feel you’ve made a little bit of difference to someone’s day, even if it’s something very small. I love giving people things that have been donated. Recently I helped sort out the store room and I found loads of goodies to distribute. Some people were really chuffed with a t-shirt or a reusable water bottle or a batch of toiletries.
Have any of your perceptions around homelessness changed since volunteering at the Booth Centre?
I think I already had an idea before the booth centre that the stereotypical idea of people who are homeless was wrong and not the case. But nothing prepares you for the different stories you hear and how hard some people’s lives have been. It is very humbling.
Any hobbies or interests that you’d like to share?
Hobbies, well … I do like to swim which may have been mentioned. I am the centres very own Wim Hoff!! I like winter swimming. In summer I swim longer distances. I might sign up for a 10km swim in September, if I don’t get an injury. I’m also interested in art and I draw a bit. I volunteer at HOME as well.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for anyone thinking of volunteering at the Booth Centre?
To future volunteers - do it!! Sign up, the Booth Centre is a very special place. I can honestly say you will get out way WAY more than you put in. Go for it!