MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county will be supporting volunteer appreciation events in urban centres, with the municipality providing up to $2,000 in funding for each event.
National Volunteer Week is April 14-20 this year. Appreciation events will be held in all urban centres in the district, including the Town of Didsbury hosting an event in coordination with Bethany Didsbury.
“Historically the county has allocated $1,500 for each municipality through FCSS to host an event or program, however this program was undersubscribed and cancelled,” said the county's chief administrative officer, Jeff Holmes.
Administration recommended council consider providing funding to urban partners hosting events.
Reeve Angela Aalbers said having the county host its own volunteer appreciation event or events would be problematic.
“It’s very difficult for our volunteers to make it to a central event, and then to host multiple events is also very difficult,” said Aalbers. “Realistically most of our volunteers are probably volunteering within our urban centres.
“So I think this is a good opportunity for us to participate, for us to elevate our support of the volunteers.”
Coun. Greg Harris added, “I’m very supportive of this. As we all know, volunteers are absolutely at the core of so much of what we provide out to our residents. I think this is a good way to go about it for the county.”
Council passed a motion to provide funding in the amount of 50 per cent of costs to a maximum of $2,000 to any urban partner hosting an event to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, pending receiving acceptable receipts and with an opportunity for councillor and/or county volunteer participation.
