Volunteers play big role at soup kitchen

By Gay O. Belarmino - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on September 11, 2024.

Lethbridge Soup Kitchen volunteers Carol and Charlie Nordquist work together to prepare lunch.

Noreve Gay O. Belarmino
Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Located in downtown Lethbridge with approximately 800 volunteers, the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen emphasizes the importance of their volunteer workers and why they are essential to the community.

Founded on Oct. 1, 1984, the Soup Kitchen is nearing its 40th year of service. With the tremendous growth of the unhoused population in Lethbridge, the organization’s mission is to aid the growing population from a Christian perspective, through sharing and serving hot meals three times a day.

The Lethbridge Soup Kitchen serves between 450 and 550 guests every day, with approximately 150 guests per meal.

According to Bill Ginther, the Executive Director of The Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, growth has been consistent for the past few years, and it is something that needs to be acknowledged.

“The fact that it’s greater, the need is greater than before, is something we don’t celebrate, but we acknowledge. We know it’s reality and we’ll do what we can to help,” said Ginther.

One of the challenges that most non-profit organizations are facing, and Lethbridge Soup Kitchen is not exempt from, is the lack of funding for advertising and promotions, which leaves them to rely heavily on public awareness and through word of mouth.

According to Ginther, he has shifted from being on-site to being more “out there” and making people aware through public speaking on topics such as poverty, addiction, and homelessness that he presents to service clubs, church groups, and youth groups. From an observed experience, he shares his perspective so that it may encourage people to get involved. The volunteers at The Lethbridge Soup Kitchen are a vital part of why the organization has continued to operate for almost four decades now.

“Volunteers are the lifeline of who we are,” said Ginther.

Some of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen’s volunteers have worked with them since day one, while others have been well established for many years.

Charlie Nordquist has been a volunteer worker at the soup kitchen for over twenty years along with his wife. Prior to volunteering at the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, he has also previously worked with Streets Alive. According to Nordquist, he enjoys the work he does, notably enjoying the interaction aspect of his job.

“I’ve always been a people person, but these people are just great. They love what we do for them, and they encourage us every time we come. They may not say those words, but you can see it in their actions,” said Nordquist.

At 72, Nordquist has long-term goals in continuing his volunteer service to the public. According to him, he will keep following the word of God through volunteering for as long as his feet will keep him.