Q&A with Mallory Garneau: the Executive Director of the FoCo Cafe
Fort Collins, Colorado is known for the community vibe and endless craft beer. Yearly traditions like the Tour De Corgi fill the streets with love and joy. Seasonal craft beer pours from the tap for locals, students and tourists to indulge in. The breathtaking sunset at Horsetooth Reservoir is a hot spot for photography. This is the town that we have come to love.
Local business from shops to restaurants and small farms is something this town prides itself in. And some of these local companies have volunteer opportunities for everyone. Farms offer volunteer gigs for people looking to get their hands dirty. Ten thousand villages in the square have openings to volunteer in their store. You can even volunteer to be a barista at Everyday Joe’s. For the residents, volunteer opportunities include something for everyone.
Mallory Garneau is the Executive Director of the FoCo Café located on Maple Street. In an interview about the volunteer culture for the FoCo Café and in Fort Collins, Garneau talks about the changes she has noticed in Fort Collins for volunteers and how this can positively impact those involved.
- What is the mission statement of The FoCo Café?
FoCo Café’s mission is to build community by providing nutritious and delicious meals to the people of Fort Collins regardless of their ability to pay while using mostly local, organic, and sustainably grown ingredients.
2. How has volunteering interest and participation changed in Fort Collins over the past several years?
I can’t say I can see a big overall difference, although I think kids are getting a lot more involved which I think is amazing.
3. What have you noticed that makes people want to volunteer the most?
A sense of belonging. Being welcomed into a space where they may not otherwise get the opportunity.
4. What would you suggest to anyone who is hesitant about volunteering?
Just try it out. It can be a short as 15–30 minutes and you don’t know anything until you try it. People tend to be surprised at what they are able to get out of it. It’s not just hard skills like how to cut an onion, but it’s interpersonal skills and offers a chance to get to know others and give back in a way that lifts people up.
5. Why should people volunteer in Fort Collins?
There are great organizations making real change. A lot of people in need will come to Fort Collins because they know this, and have been told we have better resources that most places. Everywhere needs help generally.
6. Is it easy to start volunteering?
Yes! You can sign up through our website for the most important shifts we need filled, but if you can’t do that you can simply walk in and tell us you want to and that’s all it takes! We will find something for anyone to do regardless of disabilities or time restraints etc.
