Our Withrow Market volunteer : Fatiha
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Fatiha Rahnum Tahia. I arrived in Canada three months ago with my parents from Bangladesh. I completed high school in Dhaka and hope to be able to go to business school this September in Toronto. I live in the Danforth neighbourhood and am looking to meeting more local people and learning about Canadian culture.
What inspired you to volunteer with the Withrow Park Farmers’ Market?
I love walking around the neighbourhood and I had visited Withrow Park a couple of times in the spring. A few weeks ago, I was looking for some volunteer work online when I found the Withrow Farmers’ Market opportunity. Both my grandfather and great grandfather were farmers, so i liked the idea of volunteering at a farmers’ market. Coming to Canada has given me a lot including security, basic rights and the chance to complete my education so I wanted to give back to my community.
What has the experience been like so far?
Volunteering has been fun. It makes me feel so good to start the morning surrounded by a friendly group of customers and children. I like meeting new people, brewing coffee, helping the vendors and talking with the other volunteers. This market has helped me to meet many amazing volunteers. When I first started volunteering I didn’t know very much as I had never volunteered in Canada before, but they were so helpful and kind. Saturday mornings will be special for me until October (when the market closes for the season) as each shift starts will “Hello. How are you?” and ends with “Thank you so much and have a good day”.
What is your favourite aspect of being a volunteer?
My favourite thing about volunteering is that it is exciting and enjoyable. My dream is to start a small, home business and this farmers market has given me chance to meet such a wonderful group of business women. I hope that volunteering will help me to be the friendly, energetic, kind business woman that I want to be. I also love helping the vendors and getting to see, smell and taste their yummy products!
What’s on your farmers’ market shopping list?
I haven’t had the chance to explore the whole market yet, but I love the fresh flowers from BUFCO, the ice cream from Sweet Sammies and the pastries from Local Cafe. I love the healthy, organic food items and look forward to trying more local veggies.
Withrow Park Farmers’ Market wouldn’t exist without the help of our dedicated team of volunteers. If you love being outside, eating yummy local food and being part of a wonderful community initiative, then the Withrow Park Farmers’ Market is the place for you! JOIN US!
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