Stan Kempf is a well-rounded man. He takes piano lessons, sails, and more. He is friendly and enjoys talking to people. Originally from Dallas, TX, Stan chose to move to Panama in 2016 after talking with a Panamanian co-worker which piqued his interest. "After some research, the summer of 2013, I came on a relocation tour, visiting Panama City, Volcan, Coronado, and Boquete. The following year, 2014, I returned for another visit. I chose Boquete because of the climate. I wanted to retire and live in a different country, learn and experience another culture and, as a challenge, learn another language."
He began volunteering almost immediately; the second week he was here he began offering his time at the Handicap Foundation of Panama (Fundación Pro Integración de Panamá). The more he volunteered, the more he heard about BVB. He had volunteered with Louise Orr and Paul Arandale at other events and he wanted to give back more, so about five years ago he asked to be included in the monthly volunteer email.
When asked why he chose to donate his time to BVB, Stan responded "I wanted to be involved in the community and contribute as much time as I could as a way of giving back. It's just the right thing to do, helping the less fortunate who really need it. It just seemed natural. I credit my mother, Betty. Since I was 12 years old, my mother would take me to all her volunteer activities which she went to after a full day at work. She was usually in charge of these activities, so she'd put me to work."
Stan began his volunteer work at BVB as one of the "heavy lifters." He started working with Paul and the other men outside organizing the clients' filled food bags, which is the heavy work. Currently, he is packing, so he is on the food line.
Saturdays, as he does his cross-volunteer work with the Handicap Foundation, he passes out food and does more heavy lifting such as exchanging gas tanks or moving items. Additionally, Stan helps clients complete the activity of the day, and he goes to pick up donated items.
When asked about his most powerful experiences as a volunteer, he said packing the food on the last Thursday of the month, and two days later seeing the clients' faces as they pick up their food bags is humbling and personally rewarding. "These people are just a very small percentage of those who really need our help. Without BVB these families would be struggling finding food." He also finds it moving to assist clients, when asked, to carry the heavy bags of food across the street to the bus stop. Stan continues with "I know they are grateful for what we do because when we see each other in Boquete or in David they always say 'hola' or wave to me."
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