社群

在有影響力的事業中尋找社區和朋友

By Adriana Ng

在過去的一年裡,我回到加拿大,經歷了日常生活的細微差別,我只剩下回憶通化夜市的臭豆腐,我最喜歡的雞肉餐廳,嘈雜的寺廟噪音,以及騎自行車走在臺北繁華的街道上。

 

最重要的是,我經常發現自己在反思我的SALT Collectiv社區。

回想一下那段時間,我在我志願服務的第一個湯廚房遇到了兩個來自三藩市的流氓,這很有趣。

 

當時,我沒有意識到上帝在我的生命中投入了什麼:一群朋友讓我覺得自己屬於我並受到重視。這些人是我花了幾個小時和他們在一起的——整理#givingtreetw禮物,爬臺灣最高的山峰,慶祝彼此的里程碑。

 

作為一個生活在異國他鄉,沒有家人或親戚的單身外籍人士,我意識到孤獨的感覺是不可避免的。然而,SALT Collectiv社區為我提供了一個避難所,我在這個社區中建立的關係對我的影響超過了這個地方本身。 

我的信念是,特殊的「調味料」——它導致了SALT Collectiv的成功,與我參與過的任何其他非營利組織相比都是特別的——是強大的人際網路。

任何組織的核心都是找到對願景和目標充滿熱情的志同道合的人。

當Drew 和James(聯合創始人1和聯合創始人2)找到我,想加入團隊管理社交媒體和籌款時,我真的不知道自己投入了什麼。但有時這難道不是生活的奇妙之處嗎?我被他們的願景所吸引——希望 SALT Collectiv 通過回饋社區為邊緣化人群服務,成為比自己更偉大的東西。

一旦我加入團隊,我便開始投入了。

我們的第一個籌款活動是OohChaCha的烘焙銷售。我們設法安排了幾家素食麵包店在週六早上捐贈烘焙食品。在那個美好的日子,我們有朋友來支持我們,甚至我的小學生也出現了幫助義賣並在街上表演。

這種活動不斷增強——我們開始了Trivia Nights,讓Aye Taipei 參與進來,並與捐贈啤酒的紅點啤酒廠合作。我們希望帶來樂趣,一點競爭,以及在志願者環境之外建立聯繫的機會(通過啤酒義賣,抽獎券和捐款產生了30,000美元)。

我們活動籌款目標的一部分是將小型企業與我們的網路聯繫起來,這自然而然地建立了互利關係。

例如,我的朋友阿曼達(Amanda)擁有一家頹廢的零食盒公司Little Graze Garden,她表示她想通過捐贈她美味的熟食盒作為我們瑣事活動的獎品來參與SALT Collectiv。在活動中得到了一些很棒的促銷並與其他小企業主聯繫后,比如我們在經營辣醬品牌的朋友,她來我們的海灘清理活動中做志願者。

這就是SALT Collectiv的酷炫之處。

這一切都始於一小步,可以產生重大影響——不僅在你的生活中,而且在他人的生活中。一個強大的社區是一個充滿機會的地方。

無論大小,一個社區都可以提供無數的成長和經驗機會。有一個關注您最大利益併為共同目標而共同努力的人社區,無論您正在尋找什麼,都不乏機會——無論是志願服務還是與我們的小型企業合作。 

SALT Collectiv DNA 的另一個重要方面是活躍,健康和保健與我們最近的 F45 籌款活動保持一致——F45 是台北三個地點的熱門 HIIT 鍛煉項目。 SALT 為#teamsweat 帶來了近 50 人,並帶來了超過 27,000 美元的收入。

籌款並不總是意味著舉辦大型活動。 我的兩個好朋友 Bertina 和 Pearl 都對我們的事業充滿熱情,他們在慶祝生日時請朋友們向 SALT Collectiv 捐款,而不是接受禮物,籌集了新台幣 24,000 美元。 如需更多合作或籌款想法,請聯繫 Bertina Hu。

當我開始管理我們的 IG 頁面時,我們只有 300 名關注者。 但在過去的一年裡,隨著 SALT Collectiv 社區的不斷發展,數量增加了四倍,現在增加了兩名帶薪員工和潛在的企業贊助商。 當然,這種指數級增長是由我們強大的充滿激情的人們網絡推動的,他們正在朝著相同的願景和目標努力。 這些人自然而然地成為周圍人的影響者。

消息傳開,網絡不斷發展。

社區對於充實的生活至關重要。 隨著年齡的增長,有時與周圍的人建立聯繫會變得更加困難。 但是,這種聯繫最終會緩解壓力和孤獨感。

 

隨著孤獨感的增加和隔離成為新冠病毒的真正副產品,人們比以往任何時候都更加渴望社區。 我相信建立網絡和聯繫不僅需要人,還需要時間和精力。

 

無論您在加拿大、台灣還是世界任何地方,沒有一個地方是完美的。 環遊世界後,一個地方本身並不會顯得特別,真正讓一個地方令人難忘的是這裡的人民和社區。

 

這就是我對 SALT Collectiv 的感受。

  1. 台灣哪裡可以做義工?

SALT Collectiv 是一家總部位於台灣台北的非營利組織,提供志願者機會來服務邊緣群體。 志願者機會包括通過我們的 SALT 施粥廚房為無家可歸者提供服務、探訪孤兒院、老人護理、每兩年一次的海灘清理工作,以及每年向台灣各地邊緣化群體贈送 1,000 多份禮物的年度聖誕禮物樹。 我們還舉辦籌款活動,例如問答之夜、烘焙義賣、F45 鍛煉、洗車等等。 我們的籌款活動為建設我們的社區帶來了樂趣。 快來看看我們的社區並加入這項運動。

 

  1. 外國人可以來台灣做志願者嗎?

是的! SALT Collectiv 是一個由志願者組成的多元化國際社區,其宗旨是為弱勢群體和邊緣群體留下持久的印記。 報名參加活動沒有任何先決條件,我們歡迎外國人和當地人加入我們的社區。 我們只要求您懷著一顆服務的心來。 當人們聚集在一起,奉獻自己的時間和才能來服務邊緣群體時,生活就會受到影響,社區就會發生轉變。 在志願服務中,您可以參與比自己更大的事業,培養有意義的關係並對社區產生積極影響。

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SALT愛心厨房

Opening SALT Kitchen: Start With the End in Mind

A finished dish is only as good as the preparation.

My husband and I moved to Taiwan almost four years ago, and a priority for us when we arrived was to find opportunities to build and serve the community. Fortunately, my husband, Albert, was old friends with one of SALT Collectiv’s co-founders, and we were quickly plugged-in.

We started volunteering at the SALT Kitchen in early 2019 when SALT partnered with a local church near Taipei Main Station. I thought washing and cutting veggies with like-hearted people on a Saturday morning would be a great opportunity to serve people in need here in Taipei. Most importantly, I may even get to share God’s love to those who don’t know Him just yet.

Being a professional pastry chef, volunteering at the soup kitchen was a natural fit for me since I can still cook without the demands and pressure of a Michelin level kitchen. I couldn’t think of a better way to enter the heart than through the stomach. Food is my universal language to connect and unite people of all cultures, ages, backgrounds, and faiths. Serving the marginalized was the perfect opportunity for me to learn more about the dire needs of our street friends and how to bring hope.

I still recall the moment when I heard SALT Collectiv was looking to build their own soup kitchen. With my husband as board members of SALT Collectiv, my heart lit up instantly as I envisioned all the possibilities that have yet to come! After twenty years of building a career in the hospitality industry at world renowned Michelin star rated restaurants, hotels, and bakeries, I transitioned to become an educational leader in vocational training and education to raise up the next generation of professional chefs. I knew this was my moment to bring to the table what God has been equipping me all these years of leading and managing kitchens and people to fulfill a unique eternal purpose. I began praying and making plans on how to approach this endeavor with the finish line in mind like an athlete who trains daily to finish a race strong.

Working in Michelin level establishments trained and equipped me to finish a race on a daily basis, working 12-14 hours a day up to 6 days per week. Through learning endurance and grit in the process, this enabled me to tackle the task of supporting SALT Collectiv to develop an operational structure with our newly established partner – Twinkeyz Dos – to make 150 bento boxes per service event. The kicker is we were given less than two months to launch. Challenge accepted!

The most important aspect of a successful kitchen operation is not just the quality and consistency of the food produced or the maintenance of hygiene standards, it’s the staff members and the natural dynamics created when various personalities, backgrounds, and working skill levels are brought to work together in reaching common goals. I needed to gather like minded and hearted volunteers in order to build a core team who are committed to sacrifice half a Saturday starting at 8am for the next few months. We wrote a menu and started with a couple kitchen test runs. Next was kitchen core team recruitment and then training (online and in-person) for a month to assess if the team would be ready to execute on our own using Twinkeyz Dos’ entire restaurant. Without the support of Twinkeyz Dos’ owner, we would not be able to pursue this first momentous step.

In retrospect, recruiting was the easy part and it was so inspiring to see the number of people who raised their hands to help. Training and building the team was the greater challenge. Teaching someone new to the culinary world to cook in large volume under timed pressure is where I thrive. Patience, compassion, and strong communication were the key to overcoming this hurdle. I also had to let go of reaching for perfection knowing this was not the most important goal. The goal was to build a core team and establish SOP’s to serve people in need together as a family in Christ.

We faced many hurdles each time we served, whether it was not cooking enough rice, mushy rice, having too much or too little of a particular ingredient along with burns and cuts. We got through each time learning what God’s grace meant as individuals and together as a team. God always provided for us despite our circumstances or inadequacies. We learned a lot about ourselves and each other during our short debrief meetings on how to improve next time.

The truth is, no matter how well I planned, there were always hiccups, but that was what made it fun yet encouraging knowing that we could only improve. The outcome is often beyond your control. Just fix your eyes on the prize at the finish line and cross it, sign up for another race, continue to train daily, hold onto your faith, and before you know it you’ll be able to deliver 150 bento boxes – or whatever it is you are working towards.

And sometimes, it all starts with a simple act service.

1.) How can I help the homeless in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv hosts monthly volunteer opportunities to serve the homeless in Taipei, Taiwan through our SALT Soup Kitchens. By partnering with local restaurants, our volunteers help prepare, pack and deliver at least 150 warm bento boxes to the homeless community at Taipei Main Station. Volunteering with SALT Collectiv not only makes a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized, but also makes a lasting imprint in your heart. Be sure to stay updated on volunteer opportunities by following us on Instagram and Facebook, or checking our website.

2.) Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Our FUNdraiser events bring the fun into building our community. Come checkout our community and join the movement.  

3.) Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

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SALT愛心厨房

Volunteering With Children – Crazy To Or Crazy Not To?

Our family moved to Taiwan from Australia in 2020 with our two boys Cruz (7yo) and Miles (3yo). One of the reasons for coming to Taiwan was for all of us to experience new things that would open our eyes to the culture, people and heritage of Taiwan.

When we first arrived, we wrote a list of things we wanted to do during our time here. The list included all sorts of things like “Visit Alishan”, “Fruit Picking” & “Bike riding and skateboarding”, but also on the list was “community volunteer work”, and in my son’s words, “to help someone who is poor”. Deep down we wanted to try to make at least a small, but meaningful contribution to people in Taiwan who were doing it tough.

Like a lot of families, my wife and I have both grown up in distinctly middle-class families. Our parents had worked hard to make sure that we were well provided for. Our families weren’t “rich” in monetary terms by pretty much anyone’s definition of “rich”, but we also were able to afford most typical needs and wants. Growing up as kids, we never had to worry about not having a warm bed to jump into or clothes to wear, we were able to learn a musical instrument, I remember my mum would buy me McDonald’s after my swimming lesson each week, and we were able to do the occasional family holiday.

But the thing about growing up middle-class, is that it’s very easy to fall into the trap of thinking “We’re not quite rich enough to be too generous”, “If I was as rich as those other people, I would give so much more” or some iteration of that mindset. I know that people in all socioeconomic situations can fall into this trap, but what’s unique to the middle class is you get a taste of some of the “good” things in life without the security of feeling like it’s always going to be there, so you develop a fear of needing to protect those things and to keep up with the Joneses, whilst too often taking what we have for granted.

One of the big shifts in my life was when I was about 10 or 11 years old. My dad was working in Bangladesh at the time and my mom and I visited him during school holidays. This was the first time I saw real poverty other than the occasional WorldVision ad on TV, and all I can say is it swallowed me up like a black hole. I remember sitting in the car as we drove along one of the major roads, and lined across both sides of the road were blue tarps, one after the other, stretching from the handrails to the ground on the concrete sidewalk, the only shelter that people had. When we walked through the markets, we were always surrounded by crowds and crowds of people – the elderly, children – following us and asking for help.

For the first time, I realized that we are rich. Maybe not by the standards we see today on TV, on social media and on billboards, but compared to a huge part of the world. My paradigm shifted after that experience and I remember thinking, if I ever have children, I want to open their eyes to how blessed we are, how much we have to give, and how many people are in desperate need of help.

I’m not saying I don’t struggle with discontentment, even now, but it definitely gave me a new perspective and I wanted our kids to learn and experience that no matter what we have or don’t have, we can always be generous and help someone else in need, whether that’s with our time, our finances, or even just a conversation and a listening ear.

We had it in our heart to serve the local people somehow but with our language barriers and unfamiliarity with organizations in Taiwan, we had no idea where to start. I had taken the boys to Taipei Main Station one Christmas with a meal and drinks for 20 people to hand out, and it was a great experience for the kids, but it was still so limited in what we could do.

So when some great friends from church told my wife and I about SALT Collectiv and the opportunity to be involved in helping the marginalized here in Taiwan, I remember our eyes lighting up and a smile stretched across our faces, as if a lightbulb had been flicked on in our brains. We couldn’t be more excited. Sign us up!

Our first involvement was with the previous iteration of the SALT Kitchen ministry where we helped to prepare food for a local soup kitchen, and more recently with SALT Kitchen x Allegro樂格輕食 where we helped to pack bento boxes and hand them out at Taipei Main Station.

We loved the fact that our kids were encouraged to get involved, that they weren’t treated like afterthoughts but could really contribute to the cause. Both boys love helping with the SALT Kitchen and they keep asking us when we can go again. I asked Cruz what his favorite thing about the SALT Kitchen was and he said “All of it! But I really love giving the meals out to people ”, and I’m so thankful that they’ve had the opportunity to catch this vision from SALT Collectiv.

We love the vision; the mission; the team and the heart of what SALT Collectiv is all about and we absolutely encourage anyone who is interested to get involved in any way you (and your children!) can.

1.) Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Our FUNdraiser events bring the fun into building our community. Come checkout our community and join the movement.

2.) Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

3.) Is it possible to volunteer with children in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv welcomes and encourages children of all ages to participate in our volunteer events. However, parents will be solely responsible for the actions, behavior, and whereabouts of their children.

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社群

SALT Collectiv 凈灘: 關愛我們的環境

我在大自然下長大。任何有爬樹、跳下峭壁、潛入水中的機會——我都會出現。近年來,海洋對我的吸引力無與倫比。當我探索廣闊、藍色的世界時,我再次想起我們稱之為家的這個星球的美麗。然而,同樣很快,我想起我們並不是我們這家最好的管家。

根據一份國家地理報告,“海洋中有 5.25 萬億塊塑料碎片。其中,有 269,000 噸漂浮在海面上,而每平方公里約有 40 億根塑料微纖維散落在深海中。科學家稱這些統計數據為海洋垃圾的“令人驚嘆因素”。

大數字,是的,但不幸的是,儘管這些數字令人震驚,但我們無法完全理解這些數字。理解這些數字並不存在於我們人類的 DNA 中。他們說“眼見為實”——這不是事實嗎?我們都看到了廢物對我們環境的危害和破壞,尤其是對野生動物。畢竟,正是目睹了一根塑料吸管被從海龜的鼻子裡拔出來激發了全世界改為紙質吸管。不要誤會我的意思,紙吸管的整個 2 分鐘壽命也未必是更好的選擇。但說真的,這樣的改變是一個很好的跡象,因為它表明我們關心。

然而,令人遺憾的是,在任何一天,你都可以走到附近的海灘,很可能會看到人類排泄物沿著海岸線被沖走的痕跡。但是有一個簡單的解決方案。它既有利於環境,也有利於我們自身的安寧;凈灘是實現變革的重要而有效的方式。現在,在你繼續表示不同意之前,說,“這是徒勞的努力。重點是什麼?垃圾將在幾週內被沖走。”你可能是對的,垃圾最終會再次被沖走。但為什麼這應該是一種威懾,而不是激勵我們更加努力地戰鬥呢?這應該成為我們的動力,不僅要認識到我們在為什麼而戰,還要認識到我們在為誰而戰——下一代和子孫後代。

SALT Collectiv 已將這場變革戰納入其使命的一部分。在過去的幾年裡與其他志同道合的組織一起改善沿海和海洋生態系統,確保海洋野生動物的安危,以正確的方式處理廢物,並為我們所有人創造一個更安全的環境。最重要的是,甘地說你自己必須成為你在世上想見到的那個改變,所以凈灘是一種很棒且實用的戶外活動方式-聚集了一群享受著腳趾間有沙、想要改變世界的志工們。

就個人而言,在參加了上一次 SALT Collectiv 凈灘活動後,我感到非常有成就感,並且我可以補充一些理由。剛開始我們一群人挖掘看起來像是從沙子中探出的漁網碎片的東西,但 4 小時後才發現,那是各種相互纏繞的物體,其中包括一個錨。總而言之,它肯定有兩百多公斤重,但我們把它運到指定垃圾處置地點時,感覺有千斤重。但是,嘿,團隊合作讓夢想成真,我說得對嗎?

因此,在我們為下一次 5 月 7 日在石門風箏海灘公園活動做準備。我們又一次有機會回饋大自然,她以她的美麗為我們增光添彩。我從紀錄片“Seaspiracy”中聽到的一句偉大的海洋生物學家西爾維亞厄爾博士說的話。這已成為我的座右銘:“沒有人可以做所有事情,但每個人都可以做些事”。我期待很快與大家一起做這些事。

___

1.) 台灣台北有凈灘的志工機會嗎?

有的,SALT Collectiv 每年在石門風箏公園海灘舉辦半年一次的凈灘活動,一次在 5 月,一次在 12 月。 SALT Collectiv 一年兩次的海灘清理活動是志願者社團的最愛,因為我們吸引了來自世界各地的國際志願者來做志願者。作為一個具有社會責任感的團體,我們的目標是為保護環境盡自己的一份力量。

2.) 台灣哪裡可以做義工?

SALT Collectiv 是一家位於台北的非營利組織,提供弱勢族群及社區的志工服務機會。志工機會包括 SALT 愛心廚房街友供餐服務、孤兒院探訪、老人護理、兩年一次的凈灘活動,以及我們每年為全台灣弱勢族群提供大約 1,000 份聖誕禮物的 Givingtreetw 聖誕樹活動。我們還有籌款活動,例如競猜之夜、烘焙義賣、F45 鍛煉運動、洗車等等。我們的 FUNdraiser 活動主要是把樂趣帶到我們的社區。快來看看我們的社區活動並加入我們。

3.) 外國人可以在台灣做義工嗎?

可以的! SALT Collectiv 是一個多元化的國際志工社區,我們一起為弱勢族群和社區留下持久的印記。報名參加活動沒有任何先決條件,我們歡迎外國人和當地人加入我們。我們只要求你帶著服務的心來。當志工們聚集在一起,投入時間和才能為弱勢族群服務時,生活就會受到影響,社區也會發生轉變。在志工服務中,你參與著比自己更大的事業,培養有意義的關係並積極影響你的社區。

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為什麼我要來當志工

如果說我來SALT當志工是為了創造更好的明天,那就是在謊言。事實上,我來當志工是為了讓自己不再那麼以自我為中心。

2010秋天,我的家人和兩隻黃金獵犬一起搬到台北,隨後我開始了4年的老師生涯。直到今天,我們有5個小孩和1隻黃金獵犬,而我主要的角色轉移成為家庭的主要核心,同時支持著我老公 – Pearl教會的主牧師Alex

2018年的秋天是我第一次在SALT擔任志工,當時是我懷有6個月生孕,這是我第5個小孩,那時的我幾乎沒有自我拓展的時間。因此當我老公提供我週六早上休息,讓我可以去愛心廚房擔任志工的時候,我反駁了他:「我寧願在家裡睡到自然醒,非常感謝。」。儘管我的回覆非常地符合一般人的邏輯,但我的內心同時明白,我反射成了那種我不想成為的人。當然,我可以睡久一點,但同時,我也可以不再為自己找藉口,成為一位給予愛的好鄰居。

我想分享一個我最愛的好薩瑪利亞人故事。耶穌將這個故事告訴一位律師,當他在詢問耶穌誰將會是我的鄰居。這個故事被記載在聖經中的Luke之書,總是給予我挑戰,讓我更有意識地去將無條件的愛給予那些天生不被我所偏愛的人。簡而言之,這是關於好的薩瑪利亞人的故事

 一位男子,可能是位猶太人,在前往耶利哥的路上被搶劫、剝光衣服並被毆打幾乎致死。有位牧師選擇了相同的路,看到了滿身是血的男子,但走向了另一條路並且繼續他的旅程。而後,有位看起來像是牧師侍從的利未人選擇了相同的路, 看到了正在流血結痂的人,但他和前面的牧師一樣,他選擇從其他的路繼續他的旅程。最後,有位討厭猶太人的薩瑪莉亞人,走向了相同的路徑,看到了被打傷的猶太人並且產生了同情心。這位薩瑪莉亞人停下他的旅程,走向了正在流血結痂的男子,清洗並包紮他的傷口,並帶他到一間旅店復原。隔天,這位薩瑪莉亞人留下了錢給旅店主人,請求他照顧這位受傷的猶太人,並且承諾如果需要更多錢的話,他會再次支付。當他確定受傷的猶太人將會被妥善照顧後,這位薩瑪莉亞人繼續了他前往耶利哥旅程。

當說完這個故事後,耶穌詢問律師這三個人,誰將受傷的猶太人當作他的朋友。完全沒有停頓,這位律師回覆:「展現仁慈的人。」。耶穌回覆了,他說:「去成為這樣的人吧。」。

去成為這樣的人吧。

這幾個字刺激了我。

在好薩瑪利亞人的故事中,我是牧師或著是利未人。我可以用無盡的方式表現我對神的愛,但我卻延遲在生活中反映出我的神性之愛,神願意對於敵人展現同情心,更不用說是個陌生人或是鄰居。我可以退回到其他可能性,牧師或是侍從利未人也許並不想要在去教堂的路上遲到?參加教會服務就可以被稱作是愛嗎?我不能等到小孩長大後,我擁有更多「自由」的時間後再去再去這些弱勢團體內當志工、和他們互動,並且成為他們的朋友嗎?

耶穌說得很清楚。不行,我不能等。愛著我的鄰居是有紀律、是一種習慣、是種生活方式。我不能用嘴巴說我愛神,但卻以我自己的舒服和方便為生活中心。我有五個小孩,這大概不會是一個最理想的時間,去有意識地愛著我的鄰居。但如果我真的愛著神,那愛著我的鄰居就是我生活中存在的頻率。

簡單來說,我需要每天認可自己的內在充滿著批判且冷酷無情,再做些小事情拯救自己不再過著冰冷的人生。 也許有幾天,是和住在附近的長輩道早安。其它天可能去和櫃檯人員或服務生開始一個真正的對話(這對內向的我來說是一件很大的轉變)。當我感到特別勇敢的時候,也許意味者我會買一個便當,給予對街上住在公園裡無家可歸的人。我的生活一直以我自己的行程、我的需求和我的方便為主,對我來說非常的自然。自然到讓我時常忘記去看到圍繞在我身邊的其他人,也是真實的人,有著真實的需求和傷痕。這不是刻意的,但我變成了故事中的牧師與侍從利未人,忽視了在我身邊的人,因為我全神貫注的在我自己的世界裡。這就是為什麼我說我到SALT當志工,是為了讓我自己不再那麼以自我為中心。

我不確定選擇花幾個小時去愛這些每天無時無刻被邊緣化的人,是否可以幫助這個世界變得更好。然而,我明確知道的是,我有意識地抽出時間和 SALT Collectiv一起擔任做志工,這件事提醒我,我不是唯一一位想將每一個人當作是完整且活生生的人。在SALT Collectiv擔任志工擴展了我的心,去愛其他我無法天生就偏愛的人。我一個人,可能無法讓世界變成一個更好的地方,但是大家一起,成為一個組織,我們可以明確的行動,將愛給予那些弱勢團體,並且在行動的當下看到,那個更好的世界是有可能的。

1.) 在台灣我可以到哪裡去當志工呢?

SALT Collectiv是個總部位於台北非營利組織,提供為弱勢團體服務的志工機會。這些機會包含透過愛心廚房給予流浪漢食物、探訪孤兒院、長者照護、一年兩次的淨灘活動和一年一度的聖誕節的禮物樹活動,我們會送出超過一千的禮物到全台的弱勢團體。我們同時籌備了募款活動,像是知識問答之夜、烘培義賣、F45健身日、公益洗車和其他有趣的或動。我們透過這些有趣的募款活動打造了我們獨特的社群。歡迎來走走,或是立刻行動加入我們的大家庭。

2.) 外國人可以在台灣擔任志工嗎?

是的!SALT Collectiv是個多元化且國際化的志工團體,志工目的是為了讓弱勢和邊緣化團體被好好的看照著。不需要任何先決條件就可以報名參加我們的活動,我們歡迎外籍人士和當地人加入我們的團體。我們只要求你帶這一顆服務他人的心。當各種獨特的個體團聚再一起,付出他的時間和才華去服務這些弱勢團體,生命被照護著,而社群也將被轉化。在擔任志工的過程,你投入了超越自我的事業、培育了充滿意義的關係並正向地影響著你原本的社群。

3.) 我可以帶著小孩一起擔任志工嗎?

是的!SALT Collectiv歡迎且鼓勵所有年齡層的小孩參與我們的志工活動。然而,父母必須為自己小孩的行動、言行舉止和行蹤負責。

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SALT Collectiv x F45 Challenge 2022 Fundraising Event – Is It Worth It?

It has been an amazing start since the ease of COVID-19 restrictions in Taiwan. Here are a few highlights from our recent fundraising event, there are more events (Beach cleanup on May 7th, Soup Kitchen, etc.) coming soon, so don’t feel any FOMO!

On March 12th, SALT Collectiv and F45 Xinyi collaborated for the first fundraising event of the year. The event raised funds to support SALT Kitchens, ​​which offers free meals for the homeless community in Taipei.

Major highlights include:
1.) We alongside 48 participants managed to raise 27500 NTD.
2.) Multiple participants decided to join F45 Xinyi to improve their health and wellness.
3.) One participant started coaching part-time at F45 Xinyi to raise funds for SALT Collectiv.
4.) SALT Collectiv getting more buzz within the non-profit organization industry and corporations.

Fundraising

Fundraising is like a plaster cast. No, not in a bad way! It is a beautiful plaster cast that is necessary to support us, a non-profit organization, while we build a strong foundation to help the marginalized. It funds our advocacy, campaigns, and all the tools we need to make a change.

Fundraising won’t be easy especially during COVID-19. However, we believe that SALT Collectiv as a team can succeed, small victories at a time.

Just as salt is used to add flavor and preserve, our actions can be the seasoning and support for the forgotten. It all starts with a small step to make a difference and be the salt of the earth.

Why F45?

For those of you who aren’t familiar with F45, it is a workout that focuses on the entire body movement, from pushing & pulling, to lifting and squatting; proving your full body a balanced strength.

F45 is best known for building tight-knit communities and maintaining positive, encouraging environments. This is a great way for SALT Collectiv to strengthen our community so we may better serve the marginalized communities.

Also, the generous team at F45 Xinyi wanted to make an impact in their own ways by giving back to the community. We sincerely thank their generosity for donating their time and effort.

3 Benefits Gained Besides Fundraising

When it comes to growing a nonprofit organization, one thing is always on the forefront of our minds: moving the mission forward. What exactly did we gain from the collaboration besides raising funds for our SALT Kitchen? Below are three main benefits:

1.) One major benefit of collaborating with an established organization is increased visibility and exposure for the SALT Collectiv brand. The community at F45 Xinyi now knows more about us and will help spread our vision for the organization.
2.) At SALT Collectiv, we strongly believe that working and collaborating with another organization allows us to expand our current programs and build new ones for our community. From car washes to beach cleanups and F45 workouts, we are adding more programs to build a strong community to serve the marginalized.
3.) Along with expanding our programs, the event gives our organization the opportunity for new leadership. When people from different organizations bring together their expertise and knowledge in a cooperative effort, more strides can be made toward fulfilling our missions.

Final Thoughts

For the past few years, SALT Collectiv has been collaborating with multiple organizations to raise funds to allow us to go above and beyond the basic needs for the marginalized to survive, giving them more opportunities to thrive.

All in all, this fundraising was well worth the time and effort of everyone involved. We hope to run more collaborations and mobilize more people to play a part in making a lasting imprint on the world.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest and greatest from SALT Collectiv.

1.) Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Our FUNdraiser events bring the fun into building our community. Come checkout our community and join the movement.

2.) Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

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Finding Community & Friends Amidst An Impactful Cause

Having been back in Canada for the past year and going through the nuances of everyday life, I’m left reminiscing about stinky tofu at Tonghua night market, my favourite chicken restaurant, loud temple noises, and biking down the bustling streets of Taipei.

Most of all, I often find myself reflecting on my SALT Collectiv community.

It’s funny to think back on that time when I met two hoodlums from San Francisco at the very first soup kitchen that I volunteered at.

At the time, I didn’t realise what God had put into my life: a community of friends who made me feel like I belonged and was valued. These are the same people who I spent hours with — sorting #givingtreetw gifts, hiking the tallest mountain in Taiwan, and celebrating each others’ milestones.

As a single expat living in a foreign place with no family or relatives, I realised that the feelings of loneliness were inevitable. However, the SALT Collectiv community offered me a place of refuge, and the relationships I’ve developed in this community impacted me more than the place itself.

My belief is that the special “seasoning” — which has led to the SALT Collectiv’s success and is special compared to any other non-profits I’ve been involved with — is the strong network of people.

The heart of any organization is to find like-minded people who are passionate about the vision and goal.

When Drew and James (Co-founder 1 and Co-founder 2) approached me with the idea of signing onto the team to help manage social media and fundraising, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But isn’t that the wonderful thing about life sometimes? I was sold on the vision they had —wanting SALT Collectiv to be something bigger than themselves by giving back to the community in serving the marginalized.

Once I joined the team, I hit the ground running.

Our very first fundraising event was the bake sale at OohChaCha. We managed to arrange for several vegan bakeries to donate baked goodies on a Saturday morning. On that beautiful day, we had friends come to support us, while even my elementary school students showed up to help the sale and performed on the street.

The momentum kept building — and we started Trivia Nights that involved Aye Taipei and collaborated with Red Point Brewery, who donated beer. We wanted to bring fun, a little competition, and an opportunity to connect outside of the volunteer setting (which generated $30,000 through beer sales, raffle tickets, and donations).

Part of our event fundraising goal was to connect small businesses to our networks, which naturally created mutually beneficial relationships.

For example, my friend Amanda, who owns Little Graze Garden, a decadent treat box company, expressed that she wanted to get involved with the SALT Collectiv by contributing her yummy charcuterie boxes as prizes for our Trivia Event. After getting some great promo at the event and connecting with other small business owners, like our friends at Empress Hot Sauce, she came back to volunteer at our beach cleanups.

That’s the cool thing about the SALT Collectiv.

It all starts with a small step that can leave a big impact — not just in your life but in the lives of others. A strong community is a place of opportunity.

Big or small, a community can provide countless opportunities for growth and experience. With a community of people looking out for your best interests and working together for a common goal, there is no shortage of opportunities for whatever you are looking for — whether it’s volunteering or collaborating your small business with us.

Another big aspect of the SALT Collectiv DNA is being active, with health and wellness aligned with our most recent fundraiser with F45 — popular HIIT workout with three locations in Taipei. SALT brought almost 50 people to #teamsweat and brought in more than $27,000.

Fundraising doesn’t always mean throwing a big event. My two good friends Bertina and Pearl were both so passionate about our cause that they celebrated their birthdays by asking friends to donate to the SALT Collectiv instead of receiving gifts which raised $24,000 NTD. For more collaboration or fundraising ideas, please contact Bertina Hu.

When I started managing our IG page, we only had 300 followers. But in the past year, there was a fourfold increase as the SALT Collectiv community continues to grow, now adding two paid staff and potential corporate sponsors. Of course, this exponential growth is driven by our strong network of passionate people who are working towards the same vision and goal. These are the same people who naturally become influencers to those around them.

The word spreads and the network grows.

Community is crucial to a fulfilling life. As we get older, it can sometimes get harder to connect with the people around us. But, that connection will ultimately ease stress and feelings of loneliness.

With loneliness on the rise and isolation becoming a real by-product of COVID, people are craving community more than ever. I believe building networks and connections doesn’t just involve people, but also time and effort.

Whether you’re in Canada, Taiwan, or anywhere in the world, no place is perfect. Having travelled globally, a place itself doesn’t make it special— it’s the people and the community that truly make a place unforgettable.

That’s how I feel about the SALT Collectiv.

1.) Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Our FUNdraiser events bring the fun into building our community. Come checkout our community and join the movement.

2.) Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

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