Gurshren Sidhu

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

Boyle Street Community Services, Pet Food Bank. Each week, Boyle Street Community Services opens their pet food bank for members of the Edmonton community that are requiring some supplemental support to take care of their pets needs, including food, treats, bedding, accessories, toys, and nail clippings. By supporting the bond between people and their animals, the pet food bank helps to support mental health, emotional well-being, and inclusion within the community. 

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL project?

My biggest takeaway from working with the Pet Food Bank at Boyle Street is that these animals are not just pets, but a form of unconditional love and support for individuals that receive so much scrutiny and judgement. They offer emotional support, a sense of stability, companionship, and a consistent, trusting relationship in an extremely isolating situation. For marginalized communities, pet food banks are an essential but misunderstood support system. The dehumanization of the unhoused makes programs like the pet food bank appear as unnecessary to society because concepts surrounding mental health and emotional wellness are not yet seen as a need, but a privilege. To better support our communities, this is an idea that needs to be let go. Everybody deserves to walk away with dignity, stability, and a sense of belonging no matter the situation you find yourself in. 

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge and skills to your future endeavors?

I am now able to identify the intersectionality in community issues, allowing me to make steps towards progress in a way that ensures all the voices in the matter are being heard, and so I can mitigate issues in an effective manner. 

I have learned wonderful communication skills, honing my ability to listen and support people who need someone to talk to. I can also learned how to approach difficult situations and conversations in a way to not make anyone feel ashamed or uncomfortable, while also protecting my own boundaries and wellbeing. I can now approach future endeavours with more confidence, consciousness, and patience. 

Why should students consider being involved with CSL?

One of my biggest frustrations with my time at university has been my lack of real-world experience with the community and people in need. I was having a hard time trying to find what I was passionate about and what groups I wished to work with in the future. Doing my CSL certificate has allowed me to build connections, step my foot into the ‘real-world’,  find my role within the vastness of current issues, to figure out how I want to make changes in the world going forward. The experiences I have had with CSL are invaluable and I would recommend everyone try it out if they’re interested!