A couple of weeks ago, I began searching for volunteer opportunities
when I came across a charity called Rhythms of Life International and
applied for a volunteer position. I was asked to come in for an
interview, and was promptly given a place. I started the following
week and my first day was inspirational. I was asked to cook the food
in addition to serving it, which was what I originally signed up to
do. Resources are kind of scarce, however we made use of whatever was
available to us.

Service users start arriving around 4.30pm, this is when we prepare
tea and cakes, followed by hot soup with bread. We have a carrier who
collects food from a famous sandwich shop; all the remaining
sandwiches that aren’t sold are thrown away, or donated to whoever
picks it up by closing. If the carrier arrives too late, they are
thrown away.

My first night, more than 40 people registered for dinner. As some
have no home, they come from all over London, thus enabling us to meet
and feed a wide variety of people. We have regulars, those who show up
exactly on time, sometimes before we're ready to serve tea. The
service users are mostly men but we do have a couple women, although
not on a daily basis. We serve a wide range of people with different
ethnic backgrounds making our clientele base very diverse.

What makes this experience even more amazing is most of people who
come rely on us for food. Most only eat one meal a day, and this
charity provides this without hesitation. Rhythms of Life is open
seven days a week, 365 days a year. Volunteers are the heart of this
organisation and, due to the safe and friendly environment, I enjoy
donating my time and energy to make a difference.

I am so delighted and pleased to be able to serve and help this many
people every day. Rhythms of Life is a great and respectable
organisation, it is small now but will gradually expand into a
well-funded and prestigious charity. I recommend this charity to
everyone who is looking for a great volunteer experience, a chance to
engage and communicate with those in need and a wonderful way to
experience new things.