I start Monday

This is part of a series exploring PEI's Fine Options Program.

Heather, at Probation Services, came back from vacation so I got to meet with her directly . Some of the information she gave me conflicted with the information from Shaun a few weeks ago. The biggest conflict being that Heather recognized volunteering for adult sport as community service where Shaun did not. I got a one month extension as the fine was supposed to be paid by September 11th.

I opened up a file with probation services and went about looking for places to serve my community. This turned out to be harder than it sounds. It has to be with a registered non-profit organization, so you cannot simply go around on your own time picking up garbage in a public park, or reading to seniors. This must be institutional service, paper trailed and authorized. I put it to Facebook for suggestions and got none. Through work I got a contact for the local Bahá'í Faith organization, but I didn't pursue it since I got the impression they would not have much for me to do.

I decided to go main stream and headed to the Upper Room Food Bank. This proved fruitless even after a visit and several phone calls. I was surprised not even to get a courtesy return call. I was simply ignored after offering my services.

Things turned out better at the Upper Room Soup Kitchen. I showed up at meal time, found the manager, and worked out a schedule for me. I start Monday.