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The Citizen, 1989-04-12, Page 5THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1989. PAGE 5. Shortage makes volunteers more precious This week is National Volunteers Week, which has been set aside to pay tribute to the many people who give selflessly of their time for many worthwhile purposes. Many organizations could not function Marian Doucette [left] receives one of 15 Outstanding Achievement Awards for volunteer work from the Ontario Government in a Ceremony in Toronto March 29. Presenting the awards to 15 outstanding volunteers from across the province is Lt. Col. Robert G. Hardie, CD, host. Ms. Doucette is past president of the Blyth Festival Board of Directors. Doucette super volunteer Marian Lorraine Doucette, past president of the Blyth Festival, is one of 15 winners of Ontario’s fourth annual Outstanding Achievement Award for excellence in voluntarism. Ms. Doucette was nominated by Lynda Lentz, De­ velopment Co-ordinator of the Fes­ tival, where she has served on the Board of Directors since 1980. The awards are presented in three categories -- individual, non­ profit organization, and business. They recognize the achievements Some passing thoughts on a principal issue The Chairman has said, “Let it drop.’’ Perhaps his main reason to stop Is (just a small witticism) he doesn’t like criticism, Or - He’s afraid the kids might just come out on top. Is it possible Board Policy is getting to be known To get elected by the People Is the Primary Stepping Stone, Then just ignore the People When once upon the Throne? Let not Emotion enter in. To thwart the School Board is a Sin. And those who ever choose to do it Will surely raise the Wrath of Jewitt. Policy, not people, is the Key it seems to-day To higher Education, And we’re learning the hard way The Board’s decision is most sacred. And the Students a nay nay. We had thought to work for Students’ Uplift Was the Principal’s main Chore, Until, we think, the Chairman said quite plainly That is not the vital Score. Should our Concepts of Principals Be now forthwith ignored - That they are working for the Students - If they are working for the Board? The Board no longer sees the Common Man. It has perhaps like God a Higher Plan. To comprehend the Logic (?) of it all Would take, I think, a most Uncommon Man. CLARE VINCENT without the dedication of this special group of people. Recruiting these individuals is not always an easy task. For some organizations it actually takes a great deal of convincing. Marg of those who have made exception­ al contributions to company volun­ tarism in areas related to citizen­ ship and culture such as the arts, libraries, heritage, conservation, multiculturism, race relations and native community development. This year more than 100 nomina­ tions were received from organiza­ tions across the province. They were evaluated by a panel of judges comprised of Lucie Amvot, a member of the Ontario Arts Coun­ cil; Jean Augustine, an educator Bennett who lines up volunteers for the Brussels Legion and Ralph Datema, President of Blyth Minor Hockey and Ringette, say that the way they get volunteers is basically and president of the National Congress of Black Women; Peter Brophey, Vice- President of cor­ porate affairs for Zerox Canada Incorporated; Dr. Gaeten Gervais, professor of history at Laurentian University (on leave); Anita Hobbs, Sarnia Group Folk Arts Council; Cathie Korhonen, an arts consult­ ant; Vasant Lakani, President of the Multicultural Association of Northern Ontario; J. Douglas Mc­ Cullough, an arts and architectural consultant; and Maria Minna, Pre­ sident of COSTI-IIAS. The winners were announced March 20 by the Honourable Gerry Phillips, Minister of Citizenship and the Honourable Lily Oddie Munro, Minister of Culture and Communications. Mr. Phillips said, “My Ministry is honoured to co-sponsor these awards which recognize the con­ siderable time, effort, and energy that countless Ontario volunteers give tirelessly to the people of the province every day of the year.’’ “This year’s 15 award winners exemplify the rich rewards that are gained through voluntarism both by the community and by the volunteers themselves,’’ said Dr. Oddie Munro. In addition to holding down a full time job with the Huron County Library in Goderich, Ms. Doucette has often spent 40 hours a week in her volunteer capacity with the Festival. She just completed three years as President instead of the customary two year term, which is indicative of her dedication and commitment. Due to her vast knowledge of the Blyth Centre for the Arts -- from box office opera­ tions to the technical aspects to artistic vision - she has represent­ ed the organization at arts confer­ ences at home and abroad receiv­ ing many accolades for her breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm. In nominating Ms. Doucette for the award, Ms. Lentz and the Festival said, “She truly personifies the true spirit of voluntarism; the total dedication to the organization. Her commitment inspires others.’’ at the Legion to fill are those of the executive. Mrs. Bennett explained that many members will volunteer for an evening but few want to commit themselves to weekly meet­ ings. Also the fact that members must belong for one year before they can hold an executive position makes it difficult. Mrs. Bennett is hoping that next year will be different as there is a large number coming up. She describes the Legion fire, as, “a blessing in disguise.’’ People have taken a new hold on the Legion and interest has been renewed. It has lifted the community spirit, according to Mrs. Bennett, who feels that the people are proud of what they almost lost. Mr. Datema also maintains that the executive offices are the hard­ est to find volunteers for. Despite the fact that prospective coaches must attend 14 hours of classes more individuals seem willing to accept these jobs than an executive position. There is a lot of parent involvement. However, Mr. Da­ tema states everyone just seems hesitant to take on a particular area. Blyth Legion President John H. Battye concurs that perhaps a crisis does tend to incite a positive attitude. He sees a volunteer shortage for the Blyth Legion increasing each year and feels strongly that people begin to show their support now. If each person in the Legion would work one hour a year it would alleviate the workload for the constant volunteers. Mr. Battye points out various worthwhile projects sponsored by the Legion; such as their Youth Education Program and their Video taping of students, as being “para­ mount to the community”. “You shouldn’t have to drag people out to help,” he stated. He is concern­ ed that those who are actively involved in the Legion may soon suffer ‘bum out’ and without any interest their Legion will not be able to sustain itself. The newer, younger members must obtain proper direction in what to expect so that they may help. Many individuals will suggest that if no one contacts them then their assis­ tance must not be required. Mr. Battye, however, says that as far as the Legion is concerned, they appreciate anyone who calls an executive member and volunteers. He urges anyone interested in keeping the Legion and its com­ munity service alive, to do just that. Bonnie Pennington of the Brus­ sels Figure Skating Club said that the biggest problem in getting volunteers for their executive is that there are not enough who are aware of the many aspects involv­ ed. “Few of the Junior mothers understand what happens on Sen­ ior ice time,” she stated. She pointed out that it worked really well when they had a Junior and Senior mom as Co-Presidents which gave the new mother time to learn more of the inner workings involved in figure skating. All four were quick to agree that a volunteer is a very special person. There seem to be the same ones who continue in the same jobs. Mr. Datema claimed that the biggest percentage of their volunteers are the same people as five years ago. Also he mentioned that if you check at other organizations in town those same names will appear on their lists as well. Mrs. Pennington feels that these people will do whatever they can to contribute and do their part. Their philosophy is, “If someone has to do it, it might as well be me,” she says. Another group that counts on the support of volunteers is the fire­ men. Both Blyth and Brussels fire departments recruit their members through their present ones. This method seems to prove successful for them. There are a specific number that each fire department may have and that number is always full. Blyth is permitted 21 volunteers and currently has 20 while Brussels has the 14 members they are allowed. Although there is financial re­ compense for volunteer firemen, Fire Chief Paul Josling of Blyth and Brussels Fire Chief Howard Ber­ nard maintain that it does not compensate for what the men give. Blyth’s volunteer firemen receive in the neighbourhood of $500 a year, half of which they spend on clothing they have ruined at a fire, and fuel. In Brussels the volunteers are paid $15 for two hour meetings that, according to Howard Bernard last three hours or longer, and receive $8.50 an hour for firefight­ ing. Most of this goes to pay for expenses involved. Both Fire Chiefs describe the men who volunteer for the fire department as a special breed of person, truly dedicated. As Chief Bernard states, ‘ ‘They have to be. ” Last year the Blyth Festival put forth a concerted effort in their recruitment of volunteers and these efforts were rewarded. They com­ pletely revamped the Friends of Blyth, forming a committee of two Festival works hard to recruit volunteers Board members, and staff mem­ ber, Jennifer Hill, who reviewed their list of volunteers, past and present. They then wrote person­ ally to each one, inquiring into whether or not they were still interested in the volunteer program and if so where did their interests lie. The committee then compiled the responses into a book, which is kept in the office for reference. If the Festival Board, which is also comprised of volunteers, is plann­ ing a particular function, Ms. Hill and her committee make the neces­ sary calls. When a volunteer do­ nates his time it is recorded so that no one is called upon too frequently. Ms. Hill also points out that if someone agrees to volunteer then they usually expect to be called, thus keeping everyone list­ ed ensures that no one is over­ looked. Their serious conscientious effort to get organized paid off. They have, on record, at least 200 people who give as much of their time as they can. Ms. Hill says that, “All the volunteers share a love for the theatre and enjoy a strong sense of being part of something special.” It is a familiar atmosphere and everybody works together. The administrators of the Festi­ val are aware that the Festival could not function successfully without the volunteers and fre­ quently demonstrate their appreci­ ation. Ms. Hill, who was at one time a volunteer at the Festival says, “We try not to take advant­ age. I remember that I always appreciated that I was appreciated. The role of the volunteer is often times demanding, but it is not without its rewards. Contributing your valuable time and energy for the betterment of your club or community contributes to your feelings of self-worth. While not everyone appreciates the efforts, most individuals support the bene­ ficial work of the volunteer.