Interfaith Food bank volunteer reaches new milestone

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on September 2, 2022.

Herald file photo Volunteer Gerard Bloemert adds items to a hamper for a client pick up at the Interfaith Food Bank. Bloemert has been recognized for over 5000 volunteer hours at the food bank.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

A volunteer at the Interfaith Food Bank has reached a big milestone and was recognized recently for his efforts.

Gerard Bloemert once again broke volunteer hour records.

He said he has been volunteering at the food bank for just over 13 years, and has now achieved over 5000 hours.

“I like it here because I don’t have to wear coveralls, the community has been good,” said Bloemert.

When asked how he felt about reaching his goal of 5000 hours he said it was time to set the next goal.

“It feels like I gotta set my next goal. In 20 years, I want to have 10,000 hours,” said Bloemert.

He said there was no time to slow down because the work at the food bank never ends. He added that his favourite part of the job was dealing with hampers, and he does it three times a week, while he spends the rest of the time at the warehouse.

Bloemert said it was important to continue to work at the food bank because people always need food.

Interfaith Food Bank volunteer coordinator Bill Selles said Bloemert’s contribution to the food bank is invaluable.

“Last year we had Gerard complete 1000 hours in one year, that was the first time ever, now with his 5000-hour plateau in 13 years that’s a first time ever. He’s on the path to be the champion,” said Selles.

He said he admires Bloemert’s humility as he said he did not feel like he deserved the recognition. Bloemert believes he has not done any more than others to earn it.

“I’d said to Gerard there are hundreds of people who have your kind of time and don’t give it away, you make a huge difference and I hope that made him feel like he really is accomplishing something,” said Selles.

He said they love having Bloemert around as he brings very positive attitude and is always happy to be at the food bank.

His feelings were echoed by executive director Danielle McIntyre who said their experience having Bloemert around has been wonderful.

“Like many community members, there’s a reason why Gerard is not working and he has chosen to still make good use of his time by coming to the food bank over the years,” said McIntyre.

She said he has worked his way into more shifts, more frequently and with more responsibilities.

“One of the greatest things about Gerard is just his willingness. He’ll tackle anything that we ask him to do, but he’s also wanting to learn,” said Selles.

He said Bloemert recently learned how to handle the cash register and the debit machine to be able to help out in the thrift store.

McIntyre said Bloemert has gained a lot of employable skills, as well as social skills.

“That made him be an even more valuable part of our crew over the years,” said McIntyre.

She said he has made many friends and has become more confident in his ability to make decisions that will be good for him long term.

Selles said that when they decided to celebrate Bloemert’s achievement, they thought it was very important to offer invitations for him to ask people he wanted to have there with him.

“To have his parents come and see him here, in a place where he is contributing so much was really special,” said Selles.

Bloemert received a certificate of recognition for reaching 5000 hours of volunteer work.

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