Family Day is a time to celebrate connection, care, and the ways families show up for one another. For Kimberley and her son Liam, that’s meant volunteering side by side at Daily Bread Food Bank.
When Liam, who is autistic, needed a co-op placement for school, Kimberley saw a chance to turn that opportunity into something they could share. She decided to volunteer alongside him, and what began as a school placement quickly became a meaningful family experience rooted in giving back.
From the start, both felt welcomed. “It feels good to volunteer and know you’re helping people,” Liam says. “Everyone is really appreciative, and the staff always tells us how much they love the volunteers.” For Liam, feeling encouraged made it easier to settle in and try new tasks.
Over the course of his co-op, Liam worked on a variety of jobs—from taping boxes and organizing name tags to helping prepare hampers. “I had mixed feelings about trying new things,” he says. “But I did really well, and I’m proud of myself.” Knowing his work was helping others made the experience even more meaningful.
For Kimberley, volunteering together is about leading by example. “I want my kids to see what it looks like to care about other people,” she says. “Not just talk about it, but actually show up.” Sharing that experience with Liam—has made volunteering part of what family means to them.
She’s also grateful to be part of a place that is patient, encouraging, and welcoming. At Daily Bread, volunteers of all abilities are supported in finding opportunities to give back—and families can do it together.
This Family Day, follow in Kimberly and Liam’s footsteps. Make a difference together by volunteering with Daily Bread.
