Have you ever thought about how important volunteers are to keeping our society running? I daresay that if volunteers were removed from the work that keeps our communities humming, then our communities wouldn't run at all!
Who among us hasn't volunteered in some capacity when our children were young? Mrs. F.G. was the 'Hotdog Lady' at our son's public school, organizing hotdog lunches once a week. We both volunteered for Beavers and Brownies, and I was a Scoutmaster for several years. As our children grew and life became busier volunteering was less possible, but still our boys participated in every sport going, all of them totally dependent on volunteer coaches.
I skipped over Earth Day two days ago, but what I remember about the year leading up to the first Earth Day in 1970 was being intensely involved in raising awareness. I organized a group of students at university when there were no courses on envirnmental issues and we ran 'Charlie Brown University', teaching our own 6 week courses to anyone interested. Volunteers have been the backbone of the environmental movement ever since.
Once our careers were established Mrs. F.G. took up quilting and for years she organized monthly workshops for the guilds in Guelph and Markdale. After we retired she organized a large quilt show in Markdale. She also fit in horticultural courses and ended up forming the Guelph Master Gardeners with another friend. All totally volunteer efforts.
As I approached retirement I pro-actively sought out the local Bruce Trail Club and volunteered to help with stewardship work. This was work done mainly in the field, inspecting properties, finding corner stakes and recommending management work. I knew I'd be asked to serve on this or that committee and would far rather be outside volunteering. I loved that work.
And when I look around our community I know that all kinds of things depend on volunteers - fundraising for the hospital, delivering meals on wheels, supporting local churches, running local events. Friends of ours run a community drop-in centre, another friend volunteers at the hospital, one volunteers at the local museum. Our communities are much richer for the amazing contribution made by volunteers.
So, during National Volunteer Week pause a moment and give thanks for the volunteers who make your community a better place to live!
So nice to know that there are so many people willing to help out in so many different ways.
ReplyDeleteI join you in saying a big Thank You to all of them.
Right now lots of volunteers are putting their lives on the line so that others can succeed. There is a Facebook page in Powell River for people who need help and people who can help meet up while still keeping physical distancing. That's the beauty of a small town. Here in Bellingham we actually feel more isolated because of the vast urban sprawl around us. - Margy
ReplyDeleteNot only does modern society depend on volunteer efforts, but it's fun. H and I have volunteered for more years than I care to remember: Scouts, high school band boosters, officers in our local Audubon chapter, officers in the local hiking club and trail maintainers, and now H volunteers at the local hospital while I do citizen science projects dealing with wildlife.
ReplyDeleteVolunteering does wonders to the volunteer. The examples you give must have given a very satisfying feeling of achievement.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! We are all so grateful for volunteers. A huge thank you to everyone!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that this week is National Volunteer Week. Thank you for reminding me, and I know the world is a much better place for all those of us who have volunteers over the years. :-)
ReplyDeleteI worked with our local residents association for 10 years and ended up chairman! The Chef edited the local newspaper even from Switzerland and is still a trustee for an arts charity he helped to set up. If things ever get back to almost normal I think I will start helping with our local archives. It’s amazing how quickly things get forgotten. It’s a wonder anyone remembers the Battle of Hastings (1066) when you see how things that happened a mere 50 years ago. If you have interesting photos - and many of us do - we should look for a local archive to make sure they are saved for posterity. Barns anyone?
ReplyDeleteI got my first job because of my experience as a volunteer.
ReplyDelete'Oh Dear', looking back I see I haven't volunteered for very many things over the years but I see your efforts have thankfully picked up the slack for those of us who haven't been so inclined. Good stuff Furry:))
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