By Treena Mielke
Rimbey volunteers were honoured at a recognition evening held last Monday at the Peter Lougheed Centre.
The town’s strong volunteer base was evident as the main auditorium in the community centre was packed with community minded individuals who came out to enjoy an evening of delicious food, entertainment and visiting.
MLA Jason Nixon was one of the guest speakers for the event.
He noted that the mustard Seed, an organization for which he had served as executive director, could not have accomplished what it did without a strong volunteer base.
“We had about 11,000 volunteers,” he said.
The MLA noted that his colleagues have commented that he is lucky to serve in such a beautiful riding.
“It is a beautiful place, a great place,” he said, “but it is the people that make it what it is. Thank you for all you do.”
Ponoka County Reeve Paul McLauchlin told a humorous story about his time as a park ranger, ending on a more serious note as he recognized the volunteers in the crowd, thanking them for their many hours of volunteer work.
“We are fortunate to have you. Volunteers play an important part in our community.”
Mayor Rick Pankiw also spoke at the dinner.
“We are very blessed in Rimbey to have the number of people, young and old, who volunteer. It truly is what makes Rimbey a special place. The countless hours that volunteers put in are truly amazing.”
Volunteer Appreciation Week was April 10 to 16.
Rimbey Volunteer Committeee organized the volunteer community celebration.