I wrote this poem in June 2023 after having volunteered with Shelter Movers Ottawa for over two years. I wrote it as a message to potential clients who often have no clue as to who we are. And at the same time for those within the organization to perhaps better understand our mission and commitment. As of August 2024, I have completed over 150 moves since March 2021, and nearly every one of them has made me a better person even as the focus is on those fleeing violent and abusive relationships.
As a shelter mover we get to experience a lot
Not all of it is happy and tensions can be taut
But we’re witnessing beginnings way more than the end
People now filled with hope, more than we comprehend
There are teams who move the boxes, chairs and beds
Others who organize the moves, vehicles and sheds
Many work to raise the funds or to make others aware
All of us collaborating and doing it because we care
We do not have a shirt with a label on our chest
Far more important is what’s inside, beating in our breast
We support all like us, diverse in every way
And most of us are doing this with absolutely no pay
There are times where it is tough and emotions, they are high
Yet once the move is over, hands are reaching to the skies
Happy dances being danced; tears of joy in many eye
Scowls replaced by toothy smiles; no one is asking why
We not only serve those who’ve been abused and are in need
We make our community better by our actions and deeds
As individuals we also change, learn and grow
Making our lives richer and adding to our glow
Why do we do what we do; we get asked many times
We cannot always explain that in neither words or rhymes
Simply put we know we always make a difference
The lives we help to change being the lasting evidence.
I am a Shelter Mover and proud of what I do
Not only do we do the moves, we help reduce abuse too
By working with others who care just as much
The change is everlasting; reflective of our caring touch.