Group Opportunities
Contributing your time and talent can make an impact in the lives of families. Short term groups can assist with many projects throughout Raphael House, including gardening and maintenance projects, AfterCare activities and Community/Corporate Chefs.
The Community/Corporate Chef program
On Mondays and Thursdays from 3 – 6:45 pm, groups of between 3 and 6 people cook and serve dinner for the families of Raphael House, the live-in staff, AfterCare families and our evening volunteers - about 50 people in all. No need to be an avid cook. Before you arrive, our cook will have the recipes and ingredients on the countertop, and she or he will guide your team in creating a well balanced meal. The kitchen is clean, spacious and well-equipped, and we provide aprons for your team’s use. Once the food goes into the ovens at about 4:30pm, your group will be taken on a tour. When you return to the kitchen, you will prepare coffee and tea and put out serving utensils. The families come down to the dining room at 6:00pm at which point we serve dinner family style. After dinner is over at 6:30pm, we will store leftover food and then you’re done! It is rewarding and fun and provides a vital service to the shelter.
This is what one of our Corporate Chef Volunteers
has to say:
"Our employees feel a close connection to Raphael House and are very eager to volunteer their time and energy to such a meaningful organization. As one employee told me,' I always feel so energized when I leave Raphael House after cooking or serving a meal. The residents are always so appreciative and the staff so welcoming. It makes me want to sign up for the next event immediately.' "
- Pauline Roothman, Senior VP Human Resources, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy
If you are interested in scheduling a day for your organization or group to volunteer, or would like more information, please contact Kim Lessard. Please be sure to indicate the number in your group, and which of the above opportunities you are interested in.