Community Profile: Matthew
Matthew has been part of the Oasis community since 2018. Not only is he a charismatic, fun-loving guy, he also makes everyone feel special and finds the positive in every person and situation he encounters. Unlike Kanye West, who recently claimed he doesn’t read books and compared them to Brussel's sprouts, (what’s wrong with Brussel's sprouts? We think they’re delicious) Matthew is an avid book reader. He enjoys discussing his favourite authors, books he’s reading, and current events. He's always up for a good conversation with community members, volunteers, and staff. In our books, Matthew is an awesome guy. We’re so grateful to have him volunteer and be part of the Oasis family.
How did you first hear about Oasis?
When I moved into my current address I asked my neighbor Isaak about community meals in the area. He pointed me to Oasis, a three minute bicycle ride from our home. This would’ve been in 2018.
What were your first impressions of Oasis?
First thing, I was given a grand tour and I thought Richard was in charge of the whole operation as he showed me around. I saw busy volunteers going about their business and somehow Richard got me in the kitchen where I ended up washing dishes. Looking back it must’ve been Janet who seduced me with the soap and suds of dishwater! So my first impression was quite comforting, I really appreciated the idea of coming for a Tuesday meal and contributing at the same time.
What’s your favorite part about helping out at Oasis?
It is our relationships that keep me coming back, and actually I don’t even see it as “coming back” anymore because Oasis has become a part of who I am. We share a lot of laughs and create our own entertainment! I also appreciate the lunches for volunteers and staff where the whole cast of characters tell stories, sharing bits and pieces of who we are, all our smooth and broken edges come out, and I mean this in the healthiest possible way.
Do you have a favourite Oasis activity?
I enjoy meeting community members, getting to know them better, and giving out hampers. Even this activity is filled with hijinks and gives a real adrenaline rush. I’ve learned that sharing food should be exciting and a normal thing to do in a world that has made gathering food so complicated and expensive.
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by?
This is a quote I’ve been repeating to myself daily for the past year or so: “Once a friend of mine - a woman of course - said to me that since pain was only possible if you looked backward to the past or forward to the future she had eliminated the whole problem by living every moment by itself.” -Alice Munro
What's something that inspires you?
I spend a lot of time in solitude, rediscovering or rethinking our world through books, writing, and creating music on my piano. I could be on the streets (which I’ve been), totally broke (which I am) and there are still books to read, thoughts to write down, and music to figure out.
If you were to add a song to the Produce Room Playlist, what would you want to play?
November Rain for Tony-Harry.
Anything else you'd like to add or share with the Oasis community?
I would like to say the Oasis has been a cornerstone in my rebirth, and I don’t mean this in a strict religious sense or tone. Prior to arriving at Oasis I wasn’t living my best life and after I started helping in the kitchen it felt like perfect timing because everything for me was changing, new ideas were forming, old ways disappearing. Oasis has been the one constant all the way through, like a steady rhythm, I send all of you my heartfelt gratitude. Selah.
