Oasis Community Highlight: Gungor
Gungor first arrived at Oasis 10 months ago, and since that day he's been a mainstay at the centre. From helping unload our delivery trucks to handing out bags on Wednesday, his dedication to Oasis has been a force to be reckoned with. A Kurdish emigré from Turkey, Gungor arrived in Canada in 2019, just prior to the pandemic. Since then, he's been immersed in learning everything there is about Canadian culture and practising his English with the Oasis volunteers. Gungor's big heart and enthusiasm has become an integral part of the Oasis crew. Read on to learn a little more about Gungor and his impact at Oasis.
How did you first hear about Oasis?
My friends volunteered here and I was looking for something to help out with. I found Amy and talked to her and told her I wanted to volunteer. I used to volunteer two days a week, but now I only do one because I'm in school.
What were your first impressions of Oasis?
The first few days were different for me because I didn’t know anyone here or what to do. But everyone at Oasis was so polite. Everyone helped me. And in a little while, I ended up loving it here! Everyone here is really helpful and really helped me. They are all really good people. It's my favorite team.
What’s your favorite part about helping out at Oasis?
I love the people here, and I love helping the community. And I love Harry’s cooking. He's a very good cook. I also love practicing my English and learning about Canadian culture because I’m Canadian. It's really it’s important for me to adapt.
Do you have a favourite Oasis activity?
I like doing everything, nothing is really a problem for me. But I like giving out the food bags because I see people's faces before they receive them, and then I see how they smile when they get the bags. It makes me happy to be making such a big difference in people's lives.
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by?
My favorite words to live by are “We are a big family.”
What's something that inspires you?
Being part of a team makes me happy. I love the friendship here. And helping others brings me so much happiness and fulfilment.
If you were to add a song to the Produce Room Playlist, what would you want to play?
“Say it right”. By Nelly Furtado. And Celine Dion's “My Heart Will Go On.” She has a very good voice.
Anything else you'd like to add or share with the Oasis community?
If people want to volunteer, they should consider coming to Oasis. I’m so happy on the days I volunteer. And really anyone can come and help out. Every night before I go to sleep, I think about how I volunteered at Oasis, and I then I always sleep really well. Because on the days I help out at Oasis, I know it was a good day. I saw my friends and I helped others. What more can you ask for?
