Delivering a Sense of Normalcy: Akid's Story
“The folks we are serving have been totally uprooted from where they are. Any sense of normalcy we can provide, I think that’s the right thing to do.”
– Akid Azfar
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We love sharing the stories of the amazing people connected to Matthew House Ottawa. Enjoy!
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“These are our neighbours and we should be taking care of each other,” says Matthew House Ottawa supporter Akid Azfar. “I’m in a position to help… I believe that when we have privilege, we should use it for the good of others.”
Akid and his wife moved to Ottawa from Toronto in 2018 when he made a career change to work as a public servant. Wanting to become connected to his new community, Akid began exploring volunteer opportunities online. A Matthew House post looking for truck drivers caught his attention.
“Before the pandemic, I was working on the truck every other Saturday,” he explains. Working in a team of three people, Akid helped deliver furniture throughout the city. “It’s not always easy work,” he laughs. “You’re often carrying heavy furniture up many flights of stairs… But while it might not feel gratifying in that exact moment, you know how much it means to the family you’re delivering to. That’s what makes it worth it.”
He recalls making a delivery to a single mother, who was waiting for the Furniture Bank team along with her children. One immediately started calling to them when he noticed a bed being unloaded from the truck. “Is that mine?!” the child asked excitedly.
Witnessing how big an impact a single piece of furniture could make touched Akid. “There’s no substitute for seeing it in action,” he says. “The folks we are serving have been totally uprooted from where they are. Any sense of normalcy we can provide, I think that’s the right thing to do.”
As a busy father to a two-year-old daughter, Akid has taken a step back from his volunteer role during COVID-19 to focus on his family – but remains connected to Matthew House as a monthly donor. “I began donating after I started as a volunteer,” he says. “I used to work for a non-profit, so I understand the need for fundraising.”
For Akid, becoming a donor was a natural progression. When asked his perspective on the importance of monthly giving, Akid says, “Monthly donors provide consistent funding throughout the year, but it’s more than that. It’s about a belief in the work Matthew House is doing, and a belief in its values.”
Seeing Matthew House’s commitment to paying a living wage reinforced Akid’s sense of alignment with the organization’s values. “I believe in the work Matthew House is doing… If I believe in this organization, then I should be doing my part to support it.”
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Matthew House donors play a critical role in the operations of both our two refugee house locations and the Furniture Bank. Join Akid as a monthly donor here – by selecting the “donate monthly”button when you make your gift today.
Here are some other ways to open doors at Matthew House:
Donations: you can give online here or cheques can be mailed to 380 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa ON K2G 6A1.
Volunteer with us: We currently need volunteers to support our furniture bank and refugee services programs.
Refugee Services: We welcome donations of grocery cards, groceries and frozen meals to help feed the refugees we have welcomed at the house, though we ask that you please contact Doreen in advance to make arrangements (dkatto@matthewhouseottawa.org).
Furniture Bank: If you have gently-used furniture you no longer need, please give us a call at 613-591-6681. And please spread the word among your networks as well.
Pray: for past, present and future residents and furniture bank clients
Since 2010, Matthew House Ottawa has welcomed hundreds of refugee claimants, and provided quality used furniture to 7000 families in need. We have done this as a large, dedicated team of volunteers and a handful of employees, with a lot of passion and commitment. Thank you for helping to make this important work possible!