Pawandeep

SUMS Serves Smiles

Volunteering with Surrey Urban Mission has truly been a life-changing experience for me. I still remember my first day there—I was a bit nervous. Unlike other volunteer opportunities I’ve had, this felt a little different from the start. I’ll never forget my first shift. It was around two and a half hours in the community kitchen, serving food to people who are often overlooked. Before this, I had always felt apprehensive around homeless individuals or those struggling with addiction, maintaining a distance out of fear. But that day, something shifted for me.

Looking into their eyes, hearing their genuine gratitude when they said thank you, I felt a deep sense of connection and compassion. I realized that these people are beautiful in their own way—many are kind and gentle souls who have faced incredibly tough circumstances. Seeing their vulnerability up close reminded me that we’re all human and deserving of dignity and kindness, no matter our life choices.

I am so grateful to be part of Surrey Urban Mission and very happy to serve and share smiles with them.

Kind people are the beautiful kind of people.

With Gratitude,

Wanny Brar, Volunteer