- They make lovely wooden beds for families who need them – like families leaving domestic violence shelters and newcomer families from the Ukraine and elsewhere, among many others. They’ve delivered more than 700 beds in Strathcona County and surrounding areas since 2019!
- I am no carpenter. But that didn’t matter – Sleep in Heavenly Peace offered great volunteer support. I was given simple instructions, easy-to-use tools, and there was always someone on hand to answer questions.
- Volunteering to do something new can be a lot of fun. I am often drawn to volunteer opportunities that use skills I already have – and it feels good when those skills are helpful to others. But it is also nice to volunteer doing something different – I learned how to sand wood like a pro and enjoyed the satisfaction of getting a lot dirtier than I do in my day job.
- Glenda Sheard is everywhere! I am always happy to bump into Glenda when I am out and about in our community – she’s a great example of the amazing volunteers we have in Strathcona County. Whether folks are able to volunteer as much as Glenda, or help out with one event each year, it is inspiring to see so many of our community members caring for one another through their volunteer work.
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace needs more help! We made about 60 beds that day but there is still work to be done. They are in need of more volunteers, especially to help with delivering beds. They’d also love to talk to anyone interested in starting another chapter in Edmonton, to help address the waitlist for beds in our region. To find out how you can help, visit shpbeds.ca or check them out on facebook (Sleep in Heavenly Peace – AB Strathcona Co)
Written by Volunteer Strathcona Executive Director Wendy Bouwman Oake
What would you like others to know about the places you volunteer?
Contact Wendy at Volunteer Strathcona (ed@volunteerstrathcona.ca or 780-464-4335) to tell us so we can spread the word!