The Oasis Café Community

Nicole shares meals with the Oasis Café community on Monday evenings. Meet: Nicole.

When and how did you first come across Oasis Café?      
A little about me—a fifty-something empty nest mom who is semi-retired and loves hiking and spending time in nature. I began attending Tenth in 2021, initially the morning service at Mt. Pleasant but then I moved to Evening since. The time worked better for my then teenage sons who liked to sleep in on the weekends.

In the Fall of 2022, I found I had more time in my schedule to take on a new volunteer opportunity. I heard about Oasis at a Tenth service and had enjoyed volunteering at a community meal service at the Anglican Cathedral for years so applied to serve.

What are some of the things you do at Oasis Café?     
I have done a variety of roles at Oasis including plating food, greeting guests, serving tables, busing, prepping food, and washing dishes.

What keeps you coming back?
The friendships—with staff, other volunteers, and guests—and the feeling I that am doing God's work. 

How have you seen God at work in your own life through the ministry of Oasis Café?
Jesus' teachings tell us to love our neighbour as ourselves. For me, this becomes so much easier when we have a connection to our shared humanity. Spending time with the guests at Oasis provides me with a living reminder that we all face similar challenges and have similar hopes and dreams. I feel the great oneness at Oasis, and it is a gift.

What do you want to say to someone interested in serving at Oasis Café?
There are rewarding roles for everyone, no matter what your personality, physical capacity and skill set. Additionally, there is no long-term commitment; come when you can and you will be welcomed with open hearts.

For over 25 years, Oasis Café has been sharing nourishing meals and a place of community. To learn more or to serve, visit www.tenth.ca/oasis. To support our mission, please give at www.tenth.ca/give and select "Benevolence."