Volunteering
Volunteering has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It started with my parents. They just loved helping people. They would take any spare minute they had to help someone if they needed something. ”Give when you can” was their MO.
I can’t remember what year it was (my mom can though, just ask her), but one day during the Christmas break she said “Girls, we are all going down to the Good Shepherd to volunteer and serve dinner. Everyone deserves to have a nice meal.” I’ll be very honest here-we didn’t exactly jump out of our seats with excitement. In fact-it was the opposite; “Mom, no we’re scared! We don’t wanna go near scary people”.
“They aren’t scary” she said.
Much to our chagrin, we got in the backseat of the family van and headed to the Hamilton Convention Centre, where dinner was to be served. There were dozens of tables that needed to be covered and set before the guests came in. A “hurry hurry hurry!” frenzy ensued.
Within 10 minutes- tables were covered-places were set- water glasses were full, breadbaskets placed perfectly in the centre.
The doors burst open. Everyone that came through that door was excited and happy. That moment made me realize there was nothing to be afraid about. So I went back the next year. And the year after that.
A few years after that, I was the one that people were afraid of. I was an inmate, a convicted criminal, a person that my younger self would be terrified of. A person my younger self would say to my mom “ I don’t wanna go near the scary person!”.
I went from being a volunteer to needing one.
When I found myself in prison, it was the volunteers that gave me and everyone around us the support we needed but didn’t want to admit it.
That’s why, at Comeback Snacks, we’re all about second chances and the people who make them possible. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 27–May 3), I want to take a moment to recognize the volunteers and mentors who have helped not just me, but so many others on their pathway to life after prison.
STRIDE: Walking the Walk for Change
The one that sticks out to me the most is the Stride Program, an arm of Community Justice Initiatives. This organization supports individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community by providing mentorship and building a supportive network. It’s all about treating people with dignity, respect, and compassion—because everyone deserves a chance to rewrite their story. I got to meet so many individuals from this organization while I was in prison, and continue to be involved in events they have hosted since my release in 2018.
The John Howard Society: A Legacy of Second Chances
Another organization we have worked alongside for many years is John Howard Society. With a long history of advocating for justice and rehabilitation, they offer programs that help people successfully reintegrate into society. Their work includes housing support, employment services, and mentorship programs designed to reduce recidivism and create lasting change.
Mentors Who Helped Us Scale
I’d be lying if I said I did all of this alone. Some of the biggest influences on my journey have been my mentors in the popcorn world. Yes, the snack industry has its own guiding stars, and I was lucky enough to have two of the best in my corner: David Chilton and the Neal Brothers.
David Chilton, famously known from Dragon’s Den, is a financial guru and entrepreneur extraordinaire. His mentorship has been so valuable since the earliest days of Comeback Snacks. Plus, anyone who can turn a book called The Wealthy Barber into a bestseller clearly knows how to make things pop! Funny story, I actually wrote a book review on the Wealthy Barber, sent it to his office, and that’s how we became friends!
Then I met the Neal Brothers. Peter and Chris, know a thing or two about making hella good chips and salsa. They’ve built an empire of awesome products, and their guidance helped us navigate the wild world of food distribution, making it possible for Comeback Snacks to reach customers nationwide.
How You Can Make a Difference
Volunteers and mentors aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. So, in the spirit of National Volunteer Week, I encourage you to find a way to give back. Whether it’s through the Stride Program, the John Howard Society, or even mentoring an up-and-coming entrepreneur in your field, your support can make all the difference.