In a world inundated with negative headlines, many people struggle with depression. But volunteers help bring levity and light back into their lives, said a comedian who drew loads of laughter during the recent volunteer appreciation event.
Phil Callaway, supported by his wife Ramona who ran slides connected to his routine, told the crowd at the Sundre Community Centre on March 26 that children, on average, laugh about a couple of hundred times a day.
“By the time we are our age, we as average adults are down to four laughs a day. Where did we lose 196 laughs a day?” he said.
“We got to laugh more; it feels good to laugh.”
In the age of political correctness where some people seem to be in the business of being offended full-time, he said, “The world is divided into two distinct groups: those who want you to be as miserable as they are, and those who say, ‘Hey, if the world didn’t suck, we’d all fall off! So let’s do something about it!’”
Following a round of laughter, he said some people often tend to take themselves too seriously, and urged everyone to go ahead and laugh.
“It’s gonna be OK!”
The Three Hills resident and author is known for presenting a humorously perceptive look at life.
He said volunteers care about others, which is what compels them to get involved in their communities, as well as a desire to pay forward what others have done for them along the way.
Gratitude and attitude can change “absolutely everything,” he said.
“You cannot be a smart cookie if you have a crumby attitude.”
Attitude is a choice, he argues.
“Life is 10 per cent what happens to you and 90 per cent what you do with it. Carve worry from your life,” he said.
Comedian Phil Callaway drew loads of laughter when he mused how having a heart attack during a game of charades would be one awkward situation. During the course of his standup, he praised volunteers and the important impact they have on people’s lives, and urged people to make sure they “die young, but as old as you can.” Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
“I have met some very, very old young people; I have met some very, very young old people, and you are those.
"So long as people laugh lots, when they grow old, all of their wrinkles are gonna be in the right places.”
But “bitterness chews you up and spits you out, and it was gratitude that came along and saved my life,” he said, adding simple acts of kindness can change the lives of others.
“Happiness cannot be found by looking for it, happiness comes by losing yourself in something bigger,” he said.
Concluding his routine, Callaway parted with some advice.
“Die young…” the comedian said, pausing briefly before adding, “…as old as you can!”
He also encouraged people to “Live so the preacher won’t have to lie at your funeral.”
Barb Rock, Sundre’s community services assistant, said 128 volunteers had registered for the event and that 100 people signed the guest book. Considering poor weather conditions that evening, Rock said she was pleased by the turnout.
Introducing a comedy act with catering that featured charcuteries, dessert and refreshments, was part of an attempt to change up the format from previous years, said Rock.
“Phil provided welcoming lighthearted entertainment enjoyed by those in attendance,” she said, adding his standup routine “will always put a smile on my face and have a little giggle.”
In the past, she said the community was asked to nominate outstanding volunteers, with 12 being recognized.
“We believe the new casual format was welcomed with a social evening for volunteers.”
Before Callaway took to the stage, several others also spoke.
“Tonight we’re celebrating all of you,” said deputy mayor Paul Isaac, expressing gratitude to all of the volunteers on behalf of Mayor Terry Leslie, who could not attend that evening, as well as his council colleagues.
“We don’t even know all of the volunteers. We don’t even know all of the stuff that you do,” said Isaac.
“But we do really appreciate it.”
He urged anyone who needed a coffee or drink refilled to call on him.
“I’m here to serve you tonight because you serve the town so well all year long.”
Angela Aalbers, Mountain View County Division 5 councillor, thanked the volunteers for their “tireless contributions in making this community such a great place to live, work and play.”
Their spirit and energy helps make initiatives possible that would not otherwise be possible, she said.
“I also want to take an opportunity to thank all of the spouses, friends and families who also support the volunteers, because really our volunteers couldn’t do what they do without that support.”
The councillor said she endeavoured to find a quote that best encapsulates the essence of volunteerism, and eventually stumbled upon some words that resonated with her.
“Although there are many folks that describe what makes up a volunteer, this is the one I think of when I think of all of you: Those who can, do. And those who can do more, volunteer,” she said.
“You make us a better community, you make us a better county, and you make our lives so much better,” she added, followed by applause.
Sari Werezak, Greenwood Neighbourhood Place’s new executive director, and Dolores Dercach, the society’s board chair who recently won the minister of senior services award, also addressed the crowd. They talked briefly about all of the programs the organization delivers, such as Sundre Santas, the community volunteer income tax initiative and many others.
“What a spirit we have,” said Dercach, referring to the amount of support from the community the programs receive.
She later added that the society would not function the way it does if not “for the incredible dedication and knowledge of the staff. We are blessed by all of those who are employed at GNP.”
Werezak said there are many “very big hearts” in Sundre, and that being part of such a giving community is a pleasure.
The Town of Sundre, Mountain View County, Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society, and Alberta Health Services partnered to host the volunteer appreciation.
This year’s National Volunteer Week is April 7 to 13.
