Profiles in Compassion: Randy Hooper

Meeting people is the highlight of Randy’s day, yet as a warehouse volunteer, most Compassion Society clients are probably unaware he is there. His first encounter with Compassion was donating some clothing at the old Plains Rd. location. “A nice fellow from the Lions Club gave me a tour which literally brought me to tears.” Randy was immediately hooked, later joining up as a volunteer at our current location training under Ken Garvie sorting food donations.

Welcome to Randy’s Compassion Society. His day begins with banter and laughs among fellow Volunteers as he prepares garbage, recycling and cardboard for disposal prior to our 9:00 AM opening. Soon he is answering the door, greeting people bringing donations of food and clothing for inspection and sorting.

Working as “Donor Greeter”, Randy enjoys sharing background stories about clothing donations, where they came from, how they got here. He is amazed by generosity of donors who return every week bringing donations of food and hygiene products, part of their weekly shopping routine. Less enjoyable, are the clothing donations from bereaved donors who have lost loved ones. He hopes his empathy and appreciation for the memories their donations represent, helps in difficult times.

As well as training and working with our many corporate guest volunteers, Randy enjoys taking donors on tours; showing off all that Compassion Volunteers do. Many have joined our Volunteer crew. On a selfish note he enjoys the physical demands of a “Job that keeps this old boy hopping; 5 Years of Compassion volunteering and loving it”

Married to fabulous lady, Bev, for nearly 55 years, the ex-pat Quebecers moved to Ontario in ’72, raising their kids in Burlington. Randy retired from a career in Sporting Goods, the last 37 years in management with “Source for Sports” a buying and marketing group of independent retailers in Canada. A diehard Montreal Canadiens fan, his Hab’s cap sparks lots of fun and comment in what is predominantly Leafs’ country. Compassion Society is nothing if not inclusive of all.