For Irene, community service is not just an act of kindness; it’s a responsibility she holds close. Growing up in a small, close-knit town outside of Ottawa, Irene was surrounded by neighbours who supported each other through thick and thin. She fondly recalls a time when one of those neighbours fell on hard times. “Our town did everything we could to look after him and make sure he had everything he needed to be okay,” Irene says, reflecting on the collective care she witnessed and participated in.
Those values of compassion and solidarity shaped Irene’s life. Whether living in a small town or a big city like Ottawa, she’s always felt a deep sense of duty to care for the most vulnerable. This drive led her to volunteer at the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region and The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.
For the last eight years, Irene has been part of the frontlines at Belong Ottawa’s Centre 454, volunteering at the reception desk and helping people navigate Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) applications. “What I love most is the people,” she says. “From the participants to the staff, it’s a community.”
Irene draws on her upbringing to create meaningful connections at Centre 454, consistently guided by empathy. “It’s important to always see the person behind the situation,” she shares. “The smallest thing can go wrong, and your life can be profoundly different. People are not their circumstances.”
With the increasing needs of people post-pandemic, Irene believes community support is more vital than ever. When asked what “We All Belong” means to her, she replies, “We’re all part of one community on this earth, but not everyone has the same experiences or opportunities. It’s our responsibility to show people that they belong, to look out for each other.”
For Irene, if there is a need, she will continue to volunteer. She views her role at Belong Ottawa as a small, yet essential part of a larger system of care. “We all have something to offer. Whether it’s donations, skills, or time—everyone has a way they can contribute. We have a responsibility to each other.”
As part of Belong Ottawa’s volunteer program, volunteers can support a variety of functions including the front desk, recreation, cooking, and special events. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
Inspired by Irene’s dedication to making a difference? Click here to learn how you can support our work.
We All Belong
In celebration of 70 years at Centre 454, 41 years at St Luke’s Table, and 40 years at The Well, Belong Ottawa is telling the stories of our diverse community members and how they have found belonging within our programs. Follow along with #WeAllBelong and #BelongOttawa.
