Together, No Matter What: A Picnic Full of Heart and Gratitude

olgastrasburger
Jul 10
2 min read

Friends, it's wonderful that we still got together, despite the rain that tested our resolve all morning, pouring down shamelessly as if to say, “Maybe another time?” And we answered: “Nope, buddy, today is barbecue day!”

The desire to meet challenged the rain – and won. It was all very Grassroots-style: a circle of volunteers and anyone who wanted to join.

Canadian and Ukrainian Grassroots volunteers, who had been sharing life over the phone, solving volunteer matters together, finally met face to face. Old friends hugged tightly and shared the latest updates.

New acquaintances instantly sparked ideas and plans for collaboration, quietly slipping into work mode and almost forgetting it was a picnic – the volunteer spirit wouldn't let go :)

Kids, full of energy as always, were running on the grass, testing the swings for strength, and infecting the grown-ups with the urge to goof around too – and no one minded. Some people just “checked out” from the noise, stretched out on a mat in the yard and dozed off – a little reboot.

There was a lot of food. Juicy strawberries and watermelons, plump tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers – all of it screamed “Summer!” And the homemade sweets brought by guests, from the moment they arrived, they didn’t let the kids rest. The little ones kept circling around, waiting for the moment they could sneak one past the adults. Some brought treats, some offered them, some just asked, “What’s that delicious thing?” – and went back for seconds.

Even the barbecue fire didn’t give up! It confidently battled the moody rain clouds and fulfilled its sacred mission – we got tasty sausages, BBQ, and in the end, amazing burgers.

We even showed off our singing and guitar skills.

There was everything – the joy of being together, and a bit of sadness.

Because our Hisham, a member of the Household Donation Team and Food Donation Team, has set his sights on new horizons. So, he's stepping down from his role as coordinator of the Cambridge Guest House (Hespeler), where he had cared for the families there for a long time.

But – Hisham remains part of the Grassroots team, because once a volunteer, always a volunteer.

We’re truly happy for the new chapter in Hisham’s life, but it does tug a little at our hearts.

Hisham, we’re rooting for your future successes, keeping you in our sights, and waiting for your full return to our volunteer crew.

It was a day filled with warmth, even under a grey sky in the end. Our community picnic brought together old friends and new faces, homemade treats, laughter, music, and a heartfelt farewell to our dear Hisham.