Economic downturn leads to uptick in volunteers in Calgary

Michael Stock had a good paying job.

The 24-year-old was earning $50,000 at a national bank, but in October he fell victim to what thousands of otherCalgaryemployees have suffered this yearthe dreaded company restructuring.

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He found himself out of work and out of his regular routine, so he decided to sign up as a volunteer at the Calgary Food Bank.He's been filling two or three hour shifts every weekday for several weeks.

"I wanted to have something that added structure to my day and do something that would give back to the community as well," saidStockwhile on a recent break from bagging apples.

The born-and-raised Calgarianquickly discovered he's not the only victim of a slumping economy who's decided to do good.

"I've also met people in a similar situation, where they're looking for work as well, they kind ofjust got laid off fromtheir positions as well so you find common ground with people very quickly here as well."

While the food bank doesn't have the exact number of workers-turned-volunteers that it's recently signed up, it does say there are several people from all sectors, including oil and gas, who are donating their time.

"The nice thing is that we're able to have flexible shifts and bring them on board and they're able to help us right away," saidShawna Ogston,who speaks for the CalgaryFood Bank.

The surge couldn't have come at a better time, as somecompanies are no longer setting aside special days for employees to volunteer at the food bank because of recent job cuts.

"That's where theseindividualsare greatly stepping in and making sure the need is still met," saidOgston.

A spokesperson forPropellus, a local company that provides a wide range of services for non-profit groups, including volunteerco-ordination, says some agencies are reporting a record number of volunteer applications.

"Peopletruly have a good heart," saidSarah Schmidt withPropellus.

"Part of that is due to the holiday season, so we always see an increasethere. But this year in particular, becauseof the economic downturn, we see some folks who are out of work, who still want to stay busy or give back or to reshape or refocus their careers, so they're getting outthere and trying to volunteer."

She says because more people are offering to help, some agencies are now booking volunteer shifts into the new year.

That can be a good thing for the heart, soul and mind.

"There's a relationship to volunteering (and mental health), endorphins are released when you volunteer, a lot like a runner's high," saidOgston.

Stock says he's been able to make connections and share other stories with people who've been laid off.His new schedule includes a few hours at the food bank in the morning and then focusing on the job hunt in the afternoon.

"I intend on coming in until I find a new position," he said.