Lauren Nicholson - Smiles Behind The Masks
#Smiles Behind The Masks
What drove your desire to start working with the Fredericton Community Kitchens?
I have always been an advocate for getting involved with your community and am a firm believer in giving back and making a difference in the place you call home. I had volunteered during several meal services in the past so I was familiar with the Kitchens in that sense.
I was actually scrolling through Facebook one day when I saw an ad that was looking for people to apply for the Board of Directors with the Fredericton Community Kitchens. Prior to this, I had been with organizations that worked closely with Boards but had never actually sat on one myself, so I thought to myself "this might be a good learning experience and a different way to get involved with my community, so why not give it a try?" So in May of 2017, I became an official Board Member with the Kitchens.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
I am the Secretary and sit on the Executive of the Board and I love it! It takes my skill set from my past/current work experience and allows me to utilize my talents to make a difference in my community. I love working with my fellow Board members, the wonderful staff and volunteers and brainstorming and implementing ideas/initiatives that will help to raise awareness (and funds!) for such a deserving organization.
What's your favourite memory from your time at the Kitchens?
When I am able to volunteer during a meal service (granted it's hard with two little ones at home!), I love interacting with all the people that make the service happen. From the amazing staff at the Kitchens, to the guest interactions, and the shared love of giving back to your community with the other volunteers, it's such a feel good thing to do.
I also enjoy being able to be a witness to an idea that was brought up around the table at a Board meeting, to seeing it become a reality and then to see the outcome and results of that idea. I love when ideas come to life and really make an impact and a difference in our own backyard.
What are your hopes for the future of the Kitchens?
Personally for me, I want my children to see their mom be involved with her community. From a young age, I want them to understand that in all the things they do in life, they need to make it a priority to give back to their community in some way. Not only do I want a better future for my children, but I want their children to have a path for a better future as well.
While it would be a HUGE accomplishment to strike out hunger completely, sadly, I think it would be a big challenge that will not be solved in the near future. However, in the meantime, what the Kitchens does is a really good start. I would encourage people to get involved and give back in some way. Choose an organization that your values align with and start there to make an impact in your community. Change starts with you.
What do you want the Fredericton Community to know about the Kitchens?
I would encourage people to give back and get out of their comfort zone by volunteering with the Kitchens, maybe during a meal service. By understanding the organization at its grassroots level, it will allow you to get a better understanding of the bigger picture and the goals and visions of the Kitchens.
What's a fun fact about you not many people would know?
I have two little ones at home, 19 months and 4 1/2. Both of babies my husband and I adopted as infants from Nunavut.
Thank you to Lauren Nicholson for being an important member of the Fredericton Community Kitchens!
Want to get involved?
Find out more about our volunteer opportunities here.
Want to donate?
You can donate online here.