Robbin remembers the news stories about Compassion House acquiring the original house 20 years ago. “I was drawn to the project from the beginning because of the unique and much-needed services for female cancer patients,” she explains. “A lot of heart and thought went into creating the House.”
The idea of Compassion House kept following Robbin. For years, Fashion for Compassion took place just down the road from where she worked, and she would often see news coverage of the event. Then in 2010, her daughter started taking part in the fashion show, and continued to for a few years.
Robbin’s daughter eventually encouraged her come and peek backstage. Instead, Robbin purchased a ticket for the whole event, and the rest was history. She was hooked.
Robbin and her husband started volunteering with Fashion with Compassion in 2015. By January 2016, she was given a regular volunteer shift at the House. She explored different ways to spend time with the House’s guests: from game nights and baking, to tea-making classes and crafting. Robbin has always carefully considered the best kinds of activities for the guests since many travel a long way from home and can only bring back something small.
Over time, Robbin noticed the most popular recurring activity was bracelet-making. She was originally inspired by another woman who had come to the House to donate her personal supplies and shared her knowledge from creating her own jewellery with Robbin. “I still do lots of different activities, but bracelet-making is always the best attended and everyone always looks forward to it,” shares Robbin.
While many guests approach Robbin with the disclaimer that they aren’t very crafty, Robbin says they often make multiple bracelets for their loved ones by the end of the session. “All of a sudden, they are so pleased with themselves and what they’ve made,” says Robbin. “It’s something small they can take home, and then it’s a skill they keep with them.”
Everything came full circle when Robbin, with a little convincing, participated as a special model in Fashion for Compassion for the House’s 20th anniversary. Leading up to the event, many of the guests staying at the House at the time got involved by making over 200 bracelets for the gala’s attendees. This further inspired Robbin to continue bracelet-making as her primary activity within Compassion House.
Robbin gushes about the people from Sorrentino’s Compassion House, from the staff, to sponsors and donors she’s had the opportunity to meet, to the guests themselves. The people are the reason she has volunteered for so long and is thrilled to be part of the community. “This House is a hidden gem,” states Robbin. “Who wouldn’t want to be part of it? It’s wonderful.”
The bracelet-making also serves a larger purpose than skills or creativity alone. It aligns with Compassion House’s goal of caring for all the guests’ needs during their stay. In particular, Robbin loves to connect with the guests. “They get to forget for a while and have some good laughs,” she says. “It’s a highlight for me.”
Robbin went through her own cancer journey in 2012. Regaining her health prompted her to take early retirement in 2015, though her involvement with Compassion House makes up for that. Robbin’s dedication as a volunteer is evident, diligently volunteering monthly, if not more. “Retirement’s busy!” she says, “I love it. It’s always on my mind.”
We’re so grateful and lucky that Robbin spends her coveted retirement time with us. “Robbin is a very genuine and passionate human begin,” says volunteer coordinator, Mirna Cruz. “Her vibes are fantastic and she brings so much love and compassion to the House.”
