Ryssa Alarcon is not only a passionate community advocate but also a dedicated volunteer who has been giving her time to the Friendship Inn for over three years. Her connection to the Inn goes beyond just her work at Saskatoon Co-op; it’s personal, rooted in her early experiences with volunteering and a deep-seated belief in giving back.
Ryssa’s journey with the Friendship Inn began in school when she took part in an Acts of Service initiative. One Thanksgiving, while the air outside was cold and biting, the warmth inside the Inn made a lasting impact on her. “I remember one Thanksgiving in particular—it was a chilly day, but inside the Inn, there was warmth, not just from the food, but from the sense of community,” she reflects. “I saw families coming in, which I could infer may be facing unimaginable hardships, yet in that moment, they had a hot meal, a place to belong, and maybe even a little bit of hope.”
This experience was a turning point for Ryssa. It wasn’t just about fulfilling a requirement; it was about making a real difference in someone’s life, even if just for a moment. “From that day on, I knew that giving back would always be part of who I am,” Ryssa shares. “It’s why I continue to volunteer and why I’ve chosen to work for an organization that shares those values. Because kindness and compassion should always come first.”
Among Ryssa’s most memorable volunteer experiences was her recent involvement in the Friendship Inn’s annual Fill the Plate campaign. Volunteering alongside her team from Saskatoon Co-op, their goal was to prepare as many sandwiches as possible. While the day’s activities were fun and energetic, the true takeaway was the eye-opening realization of the sheer volume of food needed to feed those in need.
“The incredible staff at the Friendship Inn made the experience even more meaningful,” Ryssa says. “They welcomed us with so much warmth, and their passion for the work they do was truly inspiring. Their dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to serving the community reminded me why this work is so important. It was one of those moments that stays with you—a reminder that even the smallest actions, done with heart, can make a real difference.”
For Ryssa, the most rewarding part of volunteering at the Friendship Inn is seeing the direct impact a simple meal can have on someone in need. “It’s more than just food—it’s comfort, it’s dignity, it’s a reminder that they’re not alone,” she explains. “If a small act of kindness can bring even a little hope to someone’s day, then it’s always worth it.”
Ryssa’s work as a volunteer reflects her genuine commitment to helping others and her belief in the power of community. Through her continued efforts, she reminds us that kindness truly has the power to change lives—one meal, one person at a time.
Helping hands make every meal happen here at the Inn. Whether you’re helping with food prep or delivering meal trays, we rely on great people for volunteer power.
