Meet Barrie!

WHY DID YOU JOIN SUSTAINABLE BALLARD?
As a full-time working mom, I wanted to volunteer but found that most places needed time commitments that would never fly with my already busy schedule. I needed something very flexible, on my terms. I saw a call-out for the Gleaning committee and it’s been the perfect fit.

Originally, I started helping the Gleaning committee for myself — something to help my community, even in this small way. But over the pandemic, I’ve roped my 8yo in helping do the pick-ups. He may groan and moan about going outside in the cold/rain first thing in the morning, but once he’s out we’re having a good time trying to juggle all those delicious boxes of doughnuts. We take breaks and chat along the way back home, he tries to outdo how many boxes he can carry, and slowly but surely he’s realizing what we’re doing is helping other people. To me, that’s the why.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF SUSTAINABLE BALLARD?
5 years

WHAT PROJECT(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN?
Bakery Gleaning

WHAT WAS THE FIRST SUSTAINABLE BALLARD EVENT/PROGRAM YOU ATTENDED?
Hmmm, probably the holiday barter. I already loved canning and knitting and crafting so it was kismet to trade goods and meet neighbors.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF SUSTAINABLE BALLARD?

I love the various community-oriented free activities ya’ll provide. I may not be very active in anything, but I love that you don’t need to be to join in on the fun.

SHARE A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
After months of practice, I can now stand on my head!