SMALL BUT MIGHTY
of a dedicated team of volunteers helps Sunshine House run on a daily basis. “We do have a solid base of volunteers that we're really appreciative of and grateful for. They're volunteering their time and their skills, and that allows us to run our operations. It gives us those extra hands on deck for support so we can do what we do better,” Chotka says, noting that people in- terested in volunteering can email Sunshine House with their interest. “I think it’s an area sometimes we don't always see as a donation, so to speak, but truly it is a donation. It's a donation of their effort, their heart, their work and anything else they can give to us. Sometimes that’s just a smiling face to be able to greet people and make people feel good on a day-to-day basis.”
“When people donate something as simple as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and undergarments, they’re helping someone to upkeep themselves. It’s about giving people that dignity of being able to present themselves proud- ly and confidently — a lot of those little things in life we can take for granted, but it means so much to others,” Chotka says. “When we’re able to provide that, you can see it uplifting them. You can see it puts a smile on their face. It allows them to feel more complete and allows us to show we care. So a lot of those little donations do make a big impact on someone's day, and that I have seen first-hand.” Monetary donations aren’t the only way to sup- port an organization. Chotka says the hard work
Staff is all smiles at Kelly's Corner, a transitional residence for 2SLGBTQIA+ people exiting houselessness and encampments.
Manitoba 9
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