National team soccer player Sophie Schmidt grabs a handful of peppers at the Okanagan Gleaners plant as part of her contribution as a Christian to help hungry people all over the world.
Lyonel Doherty photo
A member of the women’s national soccer team has a new appreciation for food after her recent visit to Oliver.
Sophie Schmidt, 25, was put to work at the Okanagan Gleaners plant, where she helped cut up vegetables to feed the world’s hungry.
“I was curious about what they do here. It’s so unique to have first-hand experience and be a part of the process.”
Schmidt is a Christian who likes giving back to her community, but she’s also a darn good soccer player. She has been on the national team for nine years, competing in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, and winning bronze in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. She also competed in two world cups, and is preparing for the 2015 World Cup in Canada.
“I’ve been blessed with a talent and am fortunate to be given this opportunity . . . I’m following my dream.”
Schmidt said her experience at the Gleaners has definitely made her appreciate food a lot more.
“I’ve read about the underprivileged all over the world, and now to be a part of this (operation) is a blessing.”
The Gleaners are a group of volunteers that process vegetables into a dried soup mix, which is shipped to poor countries.
Schmidt spent a couple of days cutting up peppers and doing yard work around the plant on Road 3.
“As Christians, you want to help. It’s a tad chilly at night in the tent, but it’s okay.”
The young woman said her church group has made a small impact on the big issue of world hunger. She noted that a lot of produce is thrown away in our society, and she believes people can make a bigger impact.
“We have a lot more time to give than we realize.”
As a sports figure, Schmidt inspires youth to follow their dreams and live a life of courage. If they do that, anything is possible, she said.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
