When she volunteered to fill in for a couple of weeks at the Goldstream Food Bank in April 1986, Gayle Ireland had no idea she would still be there over 39 years later.
“I saw a whole other side of life that I really didn't know about coming from a financially stable, food-secure household,” said Ireland. “It pulled at my heart strings and I stayed – it just became my life passion.”
Now president of the organization, Ireland leads a team of volunteers who help ensure those who need it most can put food on their tables.
For her dedication to the food bank and the West Shore communities it serves, Ireland was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal. An award given to individuals across Canada who have made significant contributions to their communities.
But true to form, the rather modest food bank president refused to enjoy her crowning glory alone – she would only accept the medal on one condition.
“I'm taking this for team Goldstream Food Bank, not just for me,” she said, side-stepping the spotlight.
“The old saying goes that the goalie is only as good as the team in front of them, and there are 89 wonderful volunteers in this establishment that make sure the hamper program runs smoothly.”
Ireland was nominated for the award by Katie Orr, the provincial manager of national standards for Food Banks BC.
“I just wanted to pause and recognize the incredible amount of service that she's given her community,” said Orr.
Ireland’s work ethic is like that of a duck on water, says Orr, seemingly calm above water, while furiously peddling her legs beneath the surface.
“There's a lot of hard work that goes into running a food bank – not just logistics and organization, but there's also a lot of mental load and emotional aspect of it,” said Orr.
But despite the pressure of leading a food bank that has seen demand increase because of the rise in the cost of living, Ireland is always compassionate and loving with both clients and volunteers.
“Her work matters, she has changed lives,” said Orr. "She’s literally provided food to people that need it for 40 years in this community.
“She's also created a food bank with a culture that is a place where people can come and give back – there are so many good feelings in the team.”
Those good vibes don't just fuel the work of the volunteers, they help define it.
Goldstream is the only ‘large-size’ food bank in Food Banks BC's network of 111, which is entirely volunteer-run, explains Orr.
“Any other food bank of this size requires paid staff to do this job,” she said. “So that is quite something.”
It’s an accolade Ireland is proud of.
“The volunteers are the Goldstream Food Bank. Without the volunteers, none of this would happen,” she said. “I'm just a small cog in the wheel at this point."
For more information about the Goldstream Food Bank and how they can help, visit: goldstreamfoodbank.org.
