Patrick S.
Meet Patrick
Patrick has asked that this post not have a photo in it, but reading these words gives us a good picture of the kind of fine individual he is. He especially enjoys working with new Canadians. His natural kindness makes him the ideal volunteer for the food bank. He represents the volunteer spirit of Canada at its finest.
Patrick Shum is one of those people who walks softly but carries a big stick of authenticity – naturally drawing others into his orbit of caring. This, despite the fact his ‘sorting’ job means he doesn’t come in contact with the public very often at the London Food Bank (LFB).
Take for instance when asked why he got involved with the LFB. He says he feels particularly drawn to welcoming new Canadians… there is definitely a need. As Patrick says, when they arrive in Canada they are at their most “food vulnerable” because they don’t generally have readymade jobs waiting for them. And, without regular income, their families, especially the kids, suffer most. They basically have nothing.
He finds that they, like all the volunteers at the Food Bank, give back the best they can by helping others within our community and by eventually volunteering themselves. In this way, the gift of the Food Bank is self-perpetuating.
In addition, Patrick likes being part of the positive ‘spirit of giving’ he’s seen played out at the London Food Bank. His excitement is even extended to the Toronto area where he encourages friends and relatives to get involved with food banks within their own area. In fact, his retired brother now volunteers in a similar fashion due to Patrick’s encouragement .
He also points out that his own involvement at London Food Bank was the result of friends encouraging him to volunteer as they did. So he started in late 2015… becoming a part of a routine weekly commitment he's kept ever since. Plus, he always talks to others about his positive experience at the Food Bank.
Also, with a background in healthcare, Patrick appreciates how well organized and laid out the London Food Bank really is. He knows exactly what to expect when he arrives for his shift. Plus, there are a number of sorting ‘bubbles’ at the LFB ensuring things stay on course. You can tell he’s a reliable resource: some one that anyone can celebrate knowing.
Finally, these short interviews generally end by including a favourite song that the person being interviewed would like included. Sometimes it’s something by a particular artist, a song, or… no particular choice of any kind: just a genre. Patrick said that, in general, he likes classical music.
I picked ‘For Eloise.” The reason is because, as a kid, this was the classic piece that my dad love to hear me play on the piano – no matter how badly! Yet, I usually had a good incentive to do my best. By the end, he usually had forgotten all about the latest trouble I’d managed to get in to.
Click here: “For Eloise” – by Ludwig van Beethoven
Plus, I hope Patrick doesn’t mind, but I also included a selection for those who like a little more of a “pop” in their Classics: Arthur Fielder & The Boston Pops Orchestra Play The Beatles Click here:https://youtu.be/z9FjdigA7Q8