Clare and Matilda: Two Hairnets Are Better Than One

Some families pass down recipes. Clare is passing down volunteering.

When we met Clare and Matilda, they were working side by side on the meal-wrapping process using FareShare’s new machine. As we spoke with them, we learned that Clare had been volunteering with FareShare for around three years, while it was Matilda’s very first shift.

Photo description: Clare (left) and Matilda (right) smiling as they show the meals they are about to pack.

They worked together on the same task, sharing the work and helping each other along the way. At one point, they proudly showed us their aprons, with their names neatly stitched onto them by Rose, Matilda’s big sister, adding another lovely family connection to the day.

Sometimes the strongest lessons are not taught through advice, but through what children see us do. By inviting Matilda to join her, Clare gave her the chance to experience volunteering firsthand and see what giving time to others can look like.

It was only Matilda’s first shift, but it was also the beginning of a shared experience, built on time together, helping others and learning by doing.

It is easy to think of volunteering as something we do on our own. Clare and Matilda remind us that sometimes it can be even more meaningful when we share the experience with someone we care about.

Two hairnets really are better than one.