In any community or organization, the success usually reflects on the dedication of hard working volunteers. People that give of their time, energy, and resources to go above and beyond for others. Wikipedia says “Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect. There is no financial gain involved for the individual. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun. Volunteering may have positive benefits for the volunteer as well as for the person or community served”.
Chestermere is blessed to be filled with so many amazing and wonderful people that give tirelessly to our community. Some of these individuals are extremely well known, while others work secretly behind the scenes to make magical things happen. The volunteer community of Chestermere is responsible for many of the amazing things that are enjoyed daily in our city.
April 12th – 18th is National Volunteer Week and is meant to be a time to stop and thank those that do so much. National Volunteer Week was first conceived in 1943 as a way to celebrate the contribution made by women on the home front to the war effort. After World War II ended, National Volunteer Week declined in popularity until the 1960s when it revived and eventually began gaining popularity in the United States as well. Events are held across Canada during this week to say thank you to the volunteers, who without, many programs and organizations would fail.
Chestermere joined in on celebrating its volunteers with two events that took place this week. On Thursday April 16th, Synergy (the organization responsible for the Chestermere Gives Back campaign last summer) hosted its first Volunteer Appreciation event. With over 150 of Chestermere’s finest, the room was full of those that give so much. Synergy had created this event with the desire to simple say ‘thank you’. With around fifty organizations represented at the event, it shows that Chestermere is a city that loves to volunteer and give back. The Master of Ceremonies for the event were Evan Dewald and Shiya Mangat – two individuals who contribute so much to our community. Deputy Mayor Christopher Steeves and MLA Bruce McAllister spoke to the crowd giving their thanks for the hard work that Chestermeres volunteers give.
Then on Saturday April 18th, the City of Chestermere held a Volunteer Appreciate Pancake Breakfast where all those who volunteer in our city were invited. Despite the bone chilling wind, City Council were there serving up a yummy breakfast and there was plenty of food, music and fun for all those that attended. Many organizations were represented and were thanked for being “Chestermere’s Finest Volunteers”.
If you’re interested in volunteering in our community, please visit http://truesynergy.ca/volunteerism/ or http://www.chestermere.ca/index.aspx?nid=121
And always remember, “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer” ~Author Unknown
