IVHQ Review - Food Outreach

My short time volunteering in Brussels has been at once inspiring, challenging, eye-opening and hugely rewarding. As part of my placement, I was assigned to a number of NGO's throughout the city aimed at tackling homelessness, poverty and the ongoing refugee crisis.

The broad and varied nature of our work meant that as a volunteer, I was able to gain experience in a number of different charitable settings ranging from a kitchen serving hot meals to those affected by homelessness and/ or poverty to an organisation based in the Raphael center through which we collected and distributed leftover foods from businesses and schools around the city.

Although a six or seven o'clock start might not appeal to many, the early morning starts meant that we would usually finish by one-ish at the latest; a timeframe which allowed us plenty of time in the afternoons and evenings to explore the city, see the sights and sample some of the local foods.

I found that the concept of voluntourism enabled me to make effective use of my Easter break whilst also getting to experience a new country, culture and language; and most importantly, make a positive difference in someone else's life.

For me, I think that one of the most rewarding parts of my time spent in Belgium was the gratitude and optimism shown by clients towards volunteers and vice versa in spite of their personal circumstances. I found this to be both heart-warming and eye-opening as we so often take for granted the little things like a hot meal and shelter.

When applying to volunteer in Belgium I was conscious that I was taking a chance in terms of the programme itself, the people I would be volunteering with and the nature of the work. However, is a chance which I am glad I took as it has led me to an amazing adventure and led me to meet some equally amazing people.