When Aidan Baxter began volunteering at the North Bay Food Bank roughly two years ago, he couldn’t have predicted just how fulfilling an experience it would be on a personal level.
“I was working to get some volunteer hours for high school. So, I looked into coming here to volunteer and loved it so much, I haven’t left,” grinned the shy 16-year-old. “I just loved how open and welcoming all the other volunteers are, and the staff. Just the whole environment is so good.”
The grade 11 student is mainly responsible for looking after the hampers.
“We build the hampers in the back, and we repack it all into bags. So, putting them all together, assembling the hampers. One client would get one hamper that has food that they need.”
Baxter finds the work inspiring.
“Just seeing how helpful it is to the community. It is great to see so many volunteers out here, helping out the community, people in need.”
He is motivated by others around him who are also giving freely of their time. “I see how much these volunteers love helping the community. They all love working here and it is great to see that.”
The teen has a lot on his plate; volunteering, keeping up with his schoolwork, spending time on the ice curling, competing at the provincial level.
He combined his love of volunteering and curling by encouraging his teammates to lend a helping hand. The young curlers agreed, working as a team to help others less fortunate.
“My curling team has recently volunteered. We volunteered in the Santa Claus Parade with the Food Bank. We were out collecting donations, and then we came back here (Food Bank) and got a tour on how things work,” explained Baxter.
“I think they found it very interesting to know how it all works because not everyone knows how the Food Bank operates, and they didn’t realize how many people need the Food Bank.”
Volunteering has left a positive impression on the young man.
“It is great. I get to talk to new people and get to know more people, it is just a really good experience. I’m starting to interact with the clients a lot more. When I first started about two years ago, I was just building (hampers), but now that I’m repacking hampers I get to interact with the clients more,” explained Baxter.
The high school student says anyone thinking about giving of their time shouldn’t hesitate. “Just try it out. They’re great people here.”
Baxter currently volunteers one afternoon a week after school, and more often as needed.
In addition to time spent curling, time spent at the Food Bank is a high point in his week. “I definitely look forward to coming here and talking to everybody. Everyone loves talking to each other and it is great,” shared Baxter.
“I see how much these volunteers love helping the community. They all love working here and it is great to see that.”
Food Bank Executive Director Debbie Marson notes that in turn, Baxter is an inspiration to others.
“I think for all of us here, having someone as youthful and vibrant as Aidan brings a new dynamic to our crew. It keeps us hopping to keep up with him, but it is great to see young people embracing what we do here as a community, having community support, and being a part of that.”
Like most teens his age, Baxter is still figuring out his post-secondary education and what path he wants to take, in his case deciding between the sciences and sports. But one thing is certain, volunteering will have a place in his future.
“Just trying to help out people and the community as much as I can,” noted the selfless young man.
Inspire is a monthly article focusing on young people and their efforts to make a change for the positive in other people’s lives.
