At the Pemberton Food Bank, operated by Sea to Sky Community Services, the work of feeding the community is about far more than food — it’s about dignity, connection, and care. And at the centre of that work are the volunteers who show up week after week, ready to help their neighbours without hesitation.
To understand just how deeply volunteers shape the services offered at our food bank, we spoke with our Pemberton Food Bank Coordinator, Loralee, who sees their impact every single day.
Consistency That Families Can Count On
One of the greatest strengths volunteers bring is simple but powerful: they show up.
“They don’t have to be here every week — but they are,” Loralee shared. “And they show up ready to take on any task with a smile.”
Our volunteers help keep the food bank stocked.That reliability means families can count on a consistent, dignified experience. Shelves are stocked thoughtfully. Items are organized so they’re easy to find. The space feels calm, welcoming, and cared for — because volunteers care for it.
This consistency matters. For many clients, the food bank is a lifeline during a difficult moment. Knowing what to expect — and knowing someone will be there to greet them — helps restore a sense of stability.
A Warm Welcome at the Door
When asked what qualities volunteers bring, Loralee doesn’t hesitate.
“They understand that times can be difficult for anyone at any time,” she said. “They are non-judgmental and always welcome everyone with a smile and a warm hello.”
Volunteers take the time to ask how clients are doing. They listen. They make sure people feel seen and heard. These small moments of connection help transform our food bank from a place of necessity into a place of community.
“Our volunteers have big hearts,” Loralee adds. “They make sure everyone feels respected.”
Expanding What’s Possible
Volunteers don’t just support the food bank — they expand what it can offer.
“Because of our volunteers, there is more attention paid to the details,” she explains. “Things are organized neatly and easy to find. We can keep shelves stocked and re‑stocked to meet the needs of everyone who walks through the door.”
The presence of volunteers allows staff to focus on outreach, planning, and strengthening services. Volunteers make it possible to serve more people, more efficiently, and with more care.
A Culture Shaped by Generosity
Working alongside volunteers has shaped the culture of the food bank in profound ways.
“All of our volunteers are community members who just want to help others,” she says. “They’re not looking for recognition. They simply want to do something that can help others in their time of need.”
This spirit of generosity is contagious. It influences how staff work, how clients feel, and how the community understands the role of the food bank. Volunteers model what community care looks like — and the entire program is stronger because of it.
A Message of Gratitude
When asked what Loralee would say to all SSCS volunteers, her message is heartfelt and clear:
“The Pemberton Food Bank is so very fortunate to have the most amazing, dedicated, reliable, welcoming, genuinely kind and caring volunteers. Their many hours of service ensure our clients receive the best of what we have to give. We could not provide such a great service without them.”
Across the Sea to Sky Corridor, volunteers are the quiet force behind so much of what we do. At the Pemberton Food Bank, their impact is felt in every stocked shelf, every warm greeting, and every moment of dignity offered to someone who needs support.
To all our food bank volunteers: Thank you for showing up. Thank you for caring. Thank you for being the heart of this work.
If you are interested in volunteering with Sea to Sky Community Services, please apply today.