Dear Editor;
Every day, millions of Canadians take time from work, leisure and home to volunteer their talents and energies to seek solutions in their communities. They are young, old and every age in between. They come from every economic group, race, region and ethnic background. They have in common a commitment to improving the quality of life in their community.
Canada’s volunteers fill many roles including direct delivery of human and social services, advocacy for every conceivable cause, governance of a complex network of voluntary organizations and agencies. They work in neighbourhood associations, schools, hospitals, public-interest research and lobbying groups, museums and libraries. They help the powerless to have an effective voice, help our institutions to be sensitive to the needs of individuals, help our government resist special interests and to act for the people.
Volunteering is so deeply entrenched in our society that at one time or another, virtually every Canadian has been a volunteer, whether they know it or not. Volunteering can be as structured as working on a committee, or as informal as just being a good neighbour. As well as contributing to the well being of their communities, people who volunteer develop and improve their skills and can explore their own strengths and interests.
Let us take time from April 27 to May 3, 2008 during National Volunteer Week, to reflect on the past contributions and accomplishments of Canadian volunteers and become active participants in building strong communities.
Moira Gates
Rimbey and District Volunteer Week Committee
Rimbey