The community is invited to celebrate next week the immeasurable contributions of volunteers whose efforts make available a range of recreational opportunities and services that would most likely otherwise not exist.
The municipality — in partnership with Mountain View County, the Sundre Ladies Auxiliary as well as Greenwood Neighbourhood Place and Alberta Health Services — has organized the annual Sundre Community Volunteer Appreciation, which takes place Tuesday, April 17 at the community centre from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
The function will feature live musical performances by Therry Lauzon as well as some speeches and awards.
“We need to recognize our volunteers,” said Barb Rock, Sundre’s community services assistant.
“And this is an event where the community can show their appreciation for all of the work they do. A lot of stuff would not get done without volunteers.”
Although organizers had requested that people who intend to attend RSVP so that planners have a better idea how big a crowd to prepare for, Rock said residents are still welcome to just drop by. She added about 50 people had, as of last week, already committed to coming out for the evening.
“Last year we had about 110 attend the event,” which was also held at the community centre but during the day, she said, adding that seeing that number grow to 150 would be good to see. Organizers decided to alternate the event every year between an afternoon and evening to accommodate people’s different schedules, she said.
While the event is primarily to recognize and salute the efforts and commitments of community volunteers, friends and relatives are encouraged to attend as well, she said.
Keeping track of volunteers from Sundre, including the surrounding recreational region that reaches to Bergen, Bearberry, James River, Eagle Hill, and Westward Ho, is no easy feat, and their contributions cannot be overstated, she said.
“Without volunteers, our community wouldn’t have all of these facilities and opportunities for recreation and culture.”
Volunteer organizations such as, for example — in no particular order — Sundre Minor Hockey Association, Sundre and District Historical Society, Sundre Curling Club, Sundre Skating Club, Sundre Aquatic Society, Greenwood Neighbourhood Place, Sundre Bike 'n' Ski Club, Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce, Sundre Rodeo and Race Association, Sundre Search and Rescue, victims services and even the fledgling citizens on patrol group all play a critical role in the community, she said.
“I can’t even imagine how many volunteers there are,” she said, adding that without them, “the opportunities for the community to enjoy different various activities wouldn’t be there.”
At Greenwood Neighbourhood Place alone, about 2,350 volunteer hours were accounted for in 2017 to help run the society's numerous initiatives such as Sundre Santas, the volunteer tax program, the community response to elder abuse, senior and adult programs, as well as children's and family events, said Marita Stermann, executive director.
"The board and staff at Greenwood Neighbourhood Place are very thankful to have met so many great volunteers throughout the year. We appreciate their commitment, expertise and talents."
This year also happens to mark the historical society’s milestone 50th anniversary, an achievement made possible almost exclusively courtesy of the commitment of dedicated volunteers, said Jaime Marr, the Sundre Pioneer Museum’s executive director.
Talented individuals who demonstrated a willingness to learn new skills have over the decades poured plenty of effort towards preserving Sundre’s heritage, she said.
“The museum could not survive without volunteers.”
And as efforts to introduce new programs through partnerships with other organizations continue to branch out, volunteers will play an even greater role, she said.
“We’ve been really lucky. A lot of our volunteers stick around for years — some have been around since the beginning,” she said, adding the historical society is keen to continue building onto the strong foundation of relationships that have been established along the way.
