When Rebecca Versluis’ catering supervisor at Redeemer University told her about the Sodexo Canada Stop Hunger Foundation Scholarship, she certainly wasn’t expecting to win. She expected someone who had done more extravagant things would receive the scholarship—like organizing a national food drive or working in a soup kitchen.

“I wouldn’t have known about the scholarship if my catering supervisor hadn’t sent it out to us,” Versluis said. “It was such a surprise.”

The Sodexo Canada Stop Hunger Foundation Scholarship (also known as the Gina Gentleman Scholarship, named in honour of a longtime Sodexo employee who volunteered extensively in hunger relief organizations) is awarded annually to Sodexo Canada employees who demonstrate community involvement through volunteer work, particularly in the fight against hunger. The winners receive a $2,500 scholarship in addition to a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice.

Versluis was never directly involved in a food bank or explicitly food-based organization, but recognized that food was a unique part of the volunteer work she did.

“One of the most positive experiences I had the opportunity to be involved in was through Deedz,” said Versluis. The student-run Redeemer University club travels to downtown Hamilton each Friday and hands out hot chocolate to people on the streets, many of whom are living in poverty or facing homelessness. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was challenging for Versluis to find places to volunteer in her first year at Redeemer. However, as an outdoor program, Deedz was an accessible, simple and meaningful way for her to get involved in volunteering in the Hamilton community and sharing hope with those in need.  “Anyone can do it, you don’t even have to be a club member. Just going once makes a difference.”

“It doesn’t end at hot chocolate. People want to share their stories.” 

The simple act of listening and sharing a hot drink opened people up to share the struggles they had faced, enabling Versluis and other students in Deedz to build connections with people they might not otherwise interact with and opening their eyes to issues such as drug addictions, cold winter nights and street violence.

“It doesn’t end at hot chocolate,” said Versluis. “People want to share their stories.” 

For the $1,000 donation in Versluis’ scholarship, she decided to give it to Micah House, a refugee support centre based in Hamilton that has provided shelter to more than 1200 refugee claimants and served nearly 4000 meals to newcomers in need.

Throughout her four years studying politics and international studies at Redeemer, Versluis has discovered what kind of work she is interested in pursuing as a career and has been able to serve in those fields. “Getting involved with refugees and immigrants is something I’ve always been passionate about,” said Versluis, and in summer 2023, she began volunteering at Micah House, a short-term refugee centre helping refugees from all around the world to get settled in Hamilton through providing a meal program and aiding them in finding housing, jobs and schools.

Versluis helped coordinate the Ride for Refuge fundraiser and a picnic for current and past families served by the organization. Working with Micah House was a good chance for her to practice French and Spanish and an exercise in trusting that God can use her even when she is out of her comfort zone and not speaking in her first language.

Christians aren’t meant to just stick with what we know but go out and serve the needs of others.

Later that year, Verlsuis participated in the Adventure Connections Canada program, a group mentorship program with immigrant and refugee children. She guided kids from countries including Somalia, Brazil and Mexico through activities both around adjusting to Canada and celebrating their own cultures, as well as games and snack breaks. It was an eye-opening experience for her, and she’s hoping to participate again this year.

“Christians aren’t meant to just stick with what we know but go out and serve the needs of others,” Versluis said about her experiences. Through her volunteer work, she has realized the power of food and small acts of kindness to connect with others and share the love of Christ, and she is grateful for this scholarship to help her continue to serve vulnerable individuals from around the world.”