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The Citizen, 2000-04-12, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2000. Volunteer Week April 9^15 Where would communities be without volunteers? Making life safer The Blyth Optimists offered guidance for young riders each year volunteering at a bike rodeo. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Did your child play hockey? Have you enjoyed a community feast late­ ly? Have you ever walked in the park or smelled the roses? If so, you likely have volunteers to thank. With so much of community life requiring the efforts of unpaid work­ force, we often forget that the many things we enjoy day to day would not exist if it were not for volunteers. From minor sports to horticultural societies, from protecting our small towns and villages to social events, people donate time and energy to make communities vital centres for living, for recreation and entertain­ ment. Unfortunately, an increasing num­ ber of people seem too ready to sit back and watch others do the work while they reap the benefits. As a result organizations, clubs and indi­ viduals will note that the same peo­ ple doing the work time and time again are burning out. Add to this the move to restructure communities, less government fund­ ing of recreation and culture to name just a few things, and volunteers are needed in more aspects of life than ever before to keep municipalities thriving. For some it is too much. Sheron Stadelmann talks of the now-defunct Blyth Optimist Club, which despite valuable contributions to the area, both monetary and through programs, was forced to fold this year. An organization which began with 23 enthusiastic members several years ago, had just four active members in January. “We just couldn’t do anymore or get new blood,” says Stadelmann. Ross Mitchell, a Brussels Optimist member and Lieutenant-Governor of Zone 2, Midwestern Ontario District, tried to help when he heard the club was in trouble, by issuing a plea for people to become involved. “There was no response,” says Stadelmann. “Even if we thought people cared we might have tried to keep it going.” “It seems to be a condition of many clubs,” says Mitchell. “I can see it getting to be really serious. If communities are going to be centred out of bigger areas through amalga­ mation we are going to have to do more to keep them vital.” “If everybody sits home and says let somebody else do it, there will soon not be somebody else,” he says. Such was the case this year for minor ball in Brussels. With no will­ ing volunteers coming forward to give the necessary time and fill the executive spots, for the first time in many years, there will be no baseball for youngsters in the village. Blyth several years ago was close to the same situation when new executive members were sought. However, some did come forward to keep the sport going for the children. What Blyth will now be missing with the loss of its Optimists may not be felt immediately. The Peacemakers program at the elemen­ tary school which has been funded by the Optimists, received $1,000, an amount that should see them over three years. “After that who knows,” says Stadelmann. “This worthwhile program may be gone.” The club also supported minor sports, purchasing team shirts. Possibly one of the problems is that people are being asked to do more and more with less time. However, Mitchell says, taking that into consideration it’s ironic that the ones who seem the busiest are the best volunteers. “The members who are always there ready to work, are the ones who volunteer for other things. If anyone could use any excuse that they’re too busy, it would be those guys,” he says. While the Brussels Optimists have remained relatively strong with over 20 members, Mitchell says like most clubs they are looking for younger people to get involved, particularly as the club’s focus is children. “Half of us have gotten to the point where we no longer have kids. We do the projects we do, because people did them for us.” Unfortunately, Mitchell notes, a lot of young people aren’t staying in the community. Another reason that it’s difficult to find volunteers is that there are so many places where unpaid labour is needed. No longer just with service clubs and hockey, volunteers sit on committees for everything from policing to theatres and schools. “People have to find what they enjoy and are willing to give time to,” says Mitchell. Picturesque project Spearheaded by the local Kinsmen Club, the Memorial Park in Belgrave is the result of countless volunteer hours and donations. It’s visually enhanced the community and pro­ vided a enjoyment as a centre for activities and relaxation. Another point he raised is the fact that while many people wouldn’t mind giving of their time, they don’t want to sign on with a club. “Approach a member and offer to help,” he said. “Give what time you have.” He suggests too, that clubs can’t just sit back and hope for members. “They have to promote their good points,” he said, “get the name out there promoting through the media and other methods of public rela­ tions.” While admitting that clubs need to make themselves attractive to poten­ tial members, he addresses the need to become part of a community by giving of oneself. “Sometimes you have to do things just out of a need to give back. Sometimes it’s for your enjoyment.” Irregardless, he feels that people need to get their priorities straight. “Without volunteers everyone from birth up would be affected. Think of the things you’ve enjoyed in your community, then ask if it would have been there without volunteers.” Many thanks to all our dedicated Volunteers Your gifts of time are greatly appreciated Volunteer Appreciation Tea Friday, April 14, 1-3 p.m. BRUSSELS 5R'S THRIFT SHOP Board & Staff Village of Ww Brussels You Mq,ke It Work! Friends of Blyth keep the show going. Thanks to our loyal volunteers. The Blyth Festival celebrates 26 seasons of Canadian theatre. We look forward to your participation this Season. ' TO OUR CARING VOLUNTEERS Village of Blyth Thanks to Everyone A HEARTFELT THANK YOU Member of HURON PERTH 9t(MpiLat.& S'xcdnen&fiip. SHIPLEY ST. CLINTON 482-3447 Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow. For the many miles you have driven, for the children you have befriended and the families you have cared for. THANK YOU ALZHEIMER SOCIETY ■U 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 ♦won & P.U.C. 413 McEwan, Goderich, Ontario N7A 4M1 ■x^^So CLINTON PUBLIC HOSPITAL The Board & Staff would like — to thank the Hospital Auxiliary, Teen Volunteers and Support Care Services for their hard work and dedication. m The Mission of Scouts Canada is to /V contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full / physical, social, and spiritual scouts cahaoa potential as individuals, as responsible citizens, and as members of their local, national, and international communities through the application of our Principles and Practices. Thank You to the many dedicated 1st Blyth Scouters who help to make this happen. Huron Adult Day Centre Volunteers Give FromJ The Heart! Thanks to our Volunteers EST. 1977 in the North of the County!!