We’re so proud to count PHD student Michael Quinn as an Emmaus Glasgow supporter alongside his dad Jim.
Michael, 32, is aiming to raise as much money as possible in the build-up to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run on October 6th for Emmaus Glasgow.
Michael’s dad, Jim, has been volunteering at the charity’s city centre soup kitchen twice a week for two years, which Michael discovered upon returning home to Bellshill in Glasgow from teaching abroad.
The funds raised will help Emmaus Glasgow provide accommodation, support and work opportunities for people with experience or who are at risk of homelessness and social exclusion. It will also help us provide our city centre soup kitchens, which help people with a hot meal, clothing and a friendly chat.
Michael, who is studying the Philosophy of Education at the University of Glasgow, said: “What I like the most about the Emmaus ethos is the accepting nature of the organisation. People are not judged on their situation, appearance or circumstances. Rather, they are welcomed as they are and offered a way of improving their lives.
“I’ve seen a lot of what my dad does, and it’s eye-opening. This is my opportunity to contribute a little bit. I wanted to do something that meant something to me and my family.”
Michael’s dad Jim started volunteering for Emmaus Glasgow in November 2022 after he spotted the soup kitchen while he was on the bus and wanted to help.
Jim said: “My favourite thing about volunteering at the soup kitchen is meeting the people we’re supporting. I’m a talker, and I love getting to know people from all walks of life.
“It’s special when one of the folks we’re helping tells me they’re getting off the street and into housing. One man recently told me this and every week he’d come, and we’d do a countdown until he got into his own place.
“The conversations I have with the people we support aren’t just ‘token’ chats, I genuinely enjoy chatting with these people and learning more about their lives,”
Having completed a half-marathon once before, Michael has been training around Bellshill to better his time this year and, one day, run the London Marathon.
If you would like to donate, you can visit Michael’s Go Fund Me page.
To find out about volunteering for Emmaus Glasgow, you can search our latest opportunities on our volunteer page here.