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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2001-04-18, Page 18Helping hands Marilyn McDonald and Jo-Ann McDonald prepare a takeout dinner for the annual Duff's United Church fowl supper. The efforts of volunteers in small areas like Walton are vital to the life of a community.- The Municipality of North Huron wishes to recognize National Volunteer Week. We extend our heartfelt THANKS to all our volunteers who give so generously of their time. A special thank you to all the service groups. Without your dedication many events and services would not be possible. MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST The Municipality of Huron East wishes to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the many volunteers who contribute so much of their time and energy to the many commitments, functions. and programs in Huron East. Your contribution plays a vital role in making Huron East "Small Town Canada At Its Best." Corporation of the COUNTY OF HURON Huronview and Huronlea Homes for the Aged "Kind hearts are the garden, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the blossom, Kind deeds are the fruits, A friendly word, a kindly smile, A helpful act, and life's worthwhile." The County of Huron would like to thank the volunteers and volunteer groups which enhance the residents' c,uality of life at Huronview and Huronlea. (Appreciations will be held in May) THANK YOU! Many thanks to all our dedicated Volunteers Your gifts of time -are greatly appreciated Volunteer Appreciation Tea Thursday, April 26, 1-3 p.m. BRUSSELS 5R'S THRIFT SHOP Board & Staff Celebrating its 27th Season in 2001 The Blyth Festival acknowledges the generous support of its outstanding volunteers. Thank you...we can't do it without you. ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF HURON COUNTY Special thanks to the Alzheimer Society's wonderful volunteers who contribute so much time & energy. The society couldn't manage without you. THANK YOU for sharing with us. 317 Huron Road, Clinton 482-1482 Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow. THE MISSION OF SCOUTING The mission of Scouting is to contribute to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law, to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society. Thank You to the many dedicated 1st Blyth.Scouters who help to make this happen. PAGE 18 THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2001 . National Volunteer Week — April 22-28 Volunteers,contribute countless hours to community By Bonnie Gropp - Citizen staff Jo-Ann McDonald is a busy woman. She is a very active volun- teer as treasurer of the Walton Hall board, on the executive for the Walton sports group, as the secre- tary/PRO of the Brussels Legion, captain of the Grey South Heart and Stroke campaign, on the Brussels Agricultural Society's Homecraft committee and with Duff's UCW. As well, after five years of involvement with Tri-County ball, she is now the retiring convenor. Her duties included being on hand to present trophies at playoff games, attending meetings and trou- bleshooting. What's more interesting to note is that she's really not an enigma. There are dozens like her in our towns, villages and hamlets whose contributions of countless hours of `spare' time put the spirit in commu- nity. On a small, but by no means insignificant scale, their efforts ensure sports programs and support facilities for our children. They strive to keep our churches going and beautify our towns and villages. _They offer opportunities to seniors for socializing and entertainment. Regular breakfasts and suppers by' the Auburn and Londesboro Lions Club for example have become almost as important to the communi- ty for the social aspect as for the financial support they provide to var- ious projects. Londesboro Lion Allan Bosman says, "People look forward to it. They ask when we're having the next one." But, what is perhaps most a credit to the drive and spirit orcommunity volunteers is the contributions of thousands of dollars for worthy proj- ects and causes. The local Legions ,intribute approximately $17,000- $18,000 annually back into their communities for everything from swimming lessons for youths to sponsorship of teams. What makes this even more impressive is that members are struggling to keep their branches open. Fundraising events. are held on an on-going basis to off- set the cost of maintaining their own facility, a factor which does not plague other organizations. Among its many and varied proj- ects, the Blyth Lions Club recently donated an impressive $60,000 towards the resurfacing of the arena floor. Its counterpart in Brussels did last year, among other things on its notable list of contributions, com- plete a $20,000 reconstruction of the playground at the local park. Through the hard work and deter- mination of the Brussels Optimist Club as well as the community, four terminally ill children had their .wishes answered when a dinner auc- tion raised an astronomical $18,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation. The Brussels Morris and Grey Catering Group has for many years made an annual donation to the arena in the area of $10,000. Belgrave Kinsmen were responsi- ble for the upgrades to the arena facade, as well as for the Heritage Park. What the cost is to the dedicated volunteers is, of course, hours. Both Joe Seili and Greg Ducharme, past presidents of the Brussels Optimists and Lions Club respectively, agree that the contribution of the hard- working members amounts to "lots of hours", Bev Blair, a Blyth Lion, volunteer with the Children's Aid, with the Blyth 125th anniversary- committee and with church work, says that she is very busy, but "time sure goes fast," Striking a balance between volunteering, personal and, profes- sional life, is something she's not sure she knows how it's achieved. "Family always comes first and Lions is my number one after that. I want to have fun volunteering and I do get everything done. As long as I can limit myself to two or three meetings a week I'm doing alright." Certainly, the effect of the volun- teer labour is not always about mon- etary factors. WI branches have lob- bied for important changes from lights on school buses to plastic wrapping on bread. The loan of med- ical equipment has been made avail- able through the Oddfellows and Rebekahs. What contributions a person makes within their organization is a matt_ r of choice, but for many the commitment is almost passionate. Crystal Taylor, president of the Blyth Legion sits on a number of commit- tees, but is also involved at the Zone level. She says she would estimate that the minimum time spent for the Legion would be four hours a week with the number jumping signifi- cantly when there are zone meetings and conventions to attend. As well she helps with the District school track and field, which means accompanying young athletes to meets across the province. Last year she travelled to New Liskeard. Reasons for being involved vary somewhat from personal enjoyment to a sense of commitment. "I really enjoy this, especially the component I'm in, dealing so much with youth," Taylor said. The com- petition provides an opportunity for local track and field participants to see an actual meet outside Blyth. "Seeing some of them succeed is so nice." Ducharme, a 20-year- Lion mem- ber, believes that helping community and other people is what's important to the volunteers. Seili, a club member for 18 years feels Optimist members enjoy work- ing together in fellowship, doing something different than day-to-day life rituals. With their motto Friend to Youth, Seili adds, "The rewards are visible and if it helps one kid onto the right track then it's worth it." McDonald said her volunteerism was instilled at an early age. "I was taught to help if I could help." She recalls during a winter storm going to neighbours to ask if there was anything they needed or anything she could do, "because that's the way I was raised. In our small com- munities someone has to do these things or we won't survive." MIDWESTERN ADULT DAY SERVICES A sincere THANK YOU to the volunteers for making a difference at our day centres CLINTON, EXETER, GRAND BEND & WINGHAM ede64atilig "SitteAnattonai" Veat o the vetunteex"