Shannon’s Volunteer Story by Shannon Simpson
My family and I passed by A Rocha’s Brooksdale Centre on our way home from Campbell Valley Park for years. I would always look up at the sign and see the words “Environmental Stewardship.” I would think to myself “I am not sure exactly what that means but I know it is up my alley.” One day when I was driving home from another walk and almost past the driveway, I decided to take a hard turn and go in and find out what ‘this place’ was all about. As we drove in I could feel my body starting to relax, enjoying the animals grazing, chickens clucking, the big beautiful trees and the sound of the birds. As we came closer to the parking lot my son Nolan screamed from the back seat, “Look at all that kale, Mom.” Amazing! We got out of the car and walked around for quite awhile. Because it was a Saturday the place was buzzing with volunteers and the farm store was open.
I was hooked. I did not know why or how but I needed to be a part of this place. I had just starting my program at the Institute Of Holistic Nutrition and it never even crossed my mind that I could make A Rocha my practicum site. I just needed to be part of this place. The energy, calmness and kindness that I felt every time I drove onto the Brooksdale grounds was almost palpable.
I have had the opportunity to help with many programs including: The Green Gala, Harvest Fest, Christmas Fairs, Umoja (an after-school programming for children from new immigrant families). The primary program I have been involved with is Girls in Action – an anti-bullying program with the Surrey School District, which provides opportunities for young girls to build healthy friendships and cultivate life skills. The participants work in the garden, join in fun songs, learn about farm life, and cook with fresh vegetables, all while deepening their relationships to the environment and each other. My part of the Girls in Action Program was nutritional education. I helped with two main programs — one about Sugar and the other was called ‘What’s on your plate.’ I loved teaching both of these programs and I learned just as much from the girls as I was able to teach them.
I am sad to write that my last day teaching at A Rocha Brooksdale was May 28th as my family and I are moving to Vancouver Island where we now have land to grow veggies, raise animals and enjoy nature every day. My final day teaching at A Rocha really could not have been more perfect. The group was small and intimate and the girls were all so engaged in learning and asking so many great questions. In my final session one of the girls cut me off mid-sentence, looked right at me and said, “You know, you should teach in all the schools, you are really good at this.” I could have cried. Instead, a huge smile spread across my face, and I told her that teaching has always been my dream.
I am so grateful to all the amazing people at A Rocha Brooksdale for allowing me to be part of the team. Their trust and belief in me has given me the confidence and the opportunity to take the knowledge I have and put it into practice. I have learned so much and will not forget all that A Rocha has done for me.
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