This project isn’t going to make a difference.

I was 18 years old struggling to believe that I was capable of pulling this off. I had dreams of pursuing missionary work abroad after graduating, and having a job to do what I loved - helping others. I thought that the only impact I could make would be across the world. It didn’t cross my mind that I could make a difference in my backyard. I never thought that an idea I wrote on a bus would become a “vehicle” for change.

My sister, Renai and I led our pilot project back in December 2018. We had volunteers prepare care kits for residents in Vancouver’s downtown eastside and they were eager to help more after distributing the gifts to the grateful souls. This experience not only opened our eyes, but those of our volunteers.

We saw how the youth were seeking opportunities to participate in community service. They didn’t know where to start. We wondered why only Christmas was seen as the season of giving when we could make this season all-year round. 

Thus, “The Giving Truck” was born.

The transition from a small project to starting up a non-profit organization facilitating monthly volunteer events was such a huge step. There was a lot of fear that almost prevented me from pushing through. I was afraid to ask for help. It was challenging for me because I had wrestled with the idea of being “independent”. I thought that in order to achieve this so-called independence, I had to do everything myself. I thought asking for help was seen as a weakness. It was hard for me to believe that people would support me but before I took a huge step forward with hesitancy, I ironically took a step back with certainty. It was then that I discovered that there was no need to fear when serving a purpose greater than myself. 

With this in mind and heart, I choose to trust in God’s plan every day. I saw Him work through the people who were more than willing to get involved and helped get the wheels moving on The Giving Truck. It was providential that after the first few events and making meaningful connections with various people from different walks of life, more reached out and took time to volunteer, donate, and even sponsor needed items for care packages. Creating a logo, building a website, officially registering as an official society in British Columbia, and promoting The Giving Truck through social media was not an easy feat as this was all brand new to me. However, I sought insight from others’ experiences and I had beautiful conversations with individuals who eventually became my mentors. 

Numerous people I have encountered are often surprised to see a young adult leading an initiative. I believe this platform allows me to shift society’s mindset that youth are reckless, irresponsible, or aimless in their decisions when, in fact, we have the energy and care capable of shaping the future for the better. Every month, various youth tap into their interests from sharing blessings with newly arrived families to hosting a clothing drive to donate to SPCA thrift stores in efforts to help animals in need. It encourages me to see youth passionate about alleviating social injustices while inviting their peers, friends, family, and community throughout the process. 

In a sense, I became a missionary in my own city and I am able to do what I love. I didn’t have to hop on a plane to go to an area unknown to me to spread the love God has unconditionally shown to me - with my doubts, fears, and all. I am also still on the journey of learning that sometimes, not knowing what the next step is, even taking a step back to look at the bigger picture, and being vulnerable is what makes you strong not weak. 

The support and connections I’ve made to this day propel me to “keep on truckin’”. After each event and seeing the smiles on people’s faces, I am reminded to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I can now look back and see how far I’ve come. 

Now, every month, through the kindness, generosity, and creativity of youth volunteers, activities are hosted with our vision of: “Mobilizing youth. Driving change.” 

Renai and I live by Mother Teresa’s quote, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” We share with the volunteers that their efforts, no matter how small they may seem, can change the world for the other person. 

“The Giving Truck” is now in its fourth year. It is a non-profit organization that empowers over 3000 youth across BC to become changemakers in their own communities through acts of kindness. The volunteers undertake several activities that aid the community such as shore clean-ups, leading meal programs, hosting clothing and menstrual hygiene product drives for organizations supporting women experiencing low-income disparity, and so much more.

Although that first step was a true leap of faith, I still took it and what an adventure it took me on! The Giving Truck propelled me to engage with people with fascinating lives, presented opportunities to speak to youth on international platforms, and blessed me with experiences that make me see the world with more compassion. 

Now this idea I wrote in my notebook didn’t just come from the blue.  My spiritual journey has been greatly influenced by the living example of both my parents. I saw the kindness and sacrifices they made going out of their way to help others in need without hesitation. Growing up, I had no real grasp of how much of an impact they made on other people’s lives but I now have a greater appreciation and respect for them. 

Giving back is natural. My parents taught Renai and I to always help whenever we can and to still give, even if we don’t have enough for ourselves. To this day, their love for others and charitable nature is beyond my understanding. They continue to inspire me and I hope to share this wisdom to other youth.

When the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they were able to speak in different languages. Now I’m not saying that you will be fluent in Japanese, but I simply think that the language in which you “speak” may not be the same as others. 

The language I speak to others is through service work. To be a missionary disciple is not only what I immediately imagine it is - to go up on stage and speak words of wisdom. For me, it is to accompany youth in their journey to discovering their passion while helping those most in need. It can be completely different for you! 

Personally, service is what brings me the most joy. Invite others where you find joy because that is where you will find our Lord. By helping others to help others, my language translated into giving youth an opportunity to serve God and share Christ’s love with more people than I could ever connect with in my lifetime alone.

You are never too young to take your first step. Why not start now? Don’t wait until you graduate or retire then look back with regret. You are capable with the gifts unique to you. Discern, pray that the Lord leads you where He wills, and surrender to His great plan for you! 

To learn more about Raisa Jose and the Giving Truck, please visit https://givingtruck.ca/


#WeAreProclaim is a story campaign by the Proclaim Movement. Inspired by Humans of New York and the Archdiocese of Detroit’s I am Here campaign, it will showcase missionary conversion stories of people from the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Check out the rest of the campaign on Facebook and Instagram at @weareproclaim.