The annual Sundre Community Volunteer Appreciation event drew a record number of people.
An organizer said 135 people signed the guest book during the Tuesday, April 17 event held at the Sundre Community Centre and estimated about 150 attended overall. A little more than 100 people attended in 2017, which was already up from the year before.
“It was wonderful to see a great turnout to the event and celebrate National Volunteer Week with good food, entertainment and time to visit,” said Barb Rock, Sundre’s community services assistant.
“I was a little nervous about the forecasted poor weather but it cleared off and roads were good.”
There were a dozen Sundre Community Outstanding Volunteer Awards presented to people who had been nominated including Moe Fahey, Norma Fenton, Ruth Hahn, Barb Schrader, Susan Bentley, Melanie Bell, Tara Tooth, Monica Cameron, Cindy Orr, Christine Miller, Shari Leedahl as well as a general shout-out to members of the Sundre Bike ’n’ Ski Club.
“Some were a little nervous about receiving the award so we keep it very casual,” said Rock.
Also celebrated were volunteer members of the Sundre Hospital Auxiliary who earned pins in recognition of their service, ranging from one year all the way up to a major milestone of 50, which was presented to Annette Rose.
“Even if it’s your first year or your 50th year, I cannot thank you enough,” said Tina Richards, volunteer coordinator at Sundre Hospital and Care Centre.
“Your time and hard work for Alberta Health Services helps in various departments, and we are blessed to have you contribute. No matter what your education or your background is, your gift of time is appreciated.”
Elan Heinrichs, Sundre Hospital and Care Centre site leader, said the value of volunteer contributions cannot be measured by a dollar amount alone.
“The services provided to our patients and staff are immeasurable. Volunteers help build confidence, comfort and competence. They create connections and play a vital role in patients’ journeys and in our community as a whole,” said Heinrichs.
She praised the auxiliary’s fundraising efforts that, over the past year, contributed about $75,000 that helped purchase an array of equipment for the hospital.
“I’ve only been in Sundre since mid-November, so I have to consider that I am the new kid on the block. However, it’s been very easy to see that our volunteer base in Sundre is not only long-standing but strong and full of heart.”
Formerly two separate volunteer recognition events — one hosted by Alberta Health Services and another by the municipality — organizers decided several years ago that partnering up to combine the functions made more sense.
Now, AHS, Mountain View County, the Town of Sundre and Greenwood Neighbourhood Place coordinate a collaborative effort to host the volunteer appreciation event. Performing some live music was Therry Lauzon. Anyone who was so inclined also got a chance to play Plinko to win prizes like chocolates, a tote bag, mints or a notebook.
This year’s guest speakers also featured several members of the town and county councils, including Mayor Terry Leslie.
“Service to others is a calling,” he told the crowd during his address.
“You have all heard the call. You are the people who improve our community every day, one conversation at a time, one helping hand at a time, one smile at a time. You make us all proud of our community spirit, the optimism you show to the next generations, the ‘can-do’ attitude that is the model for all of us to aspire to."
The mayor said Sundre is blessed to have about twice as many volunteers as other municipalities of comparable size. He encouraged everyone to practise daily random acts of kindness, as well as to “be models of optimism, hope and inspiration to everyone around us.”
While many volunteers are driven by a desire to give back to their communities and do not necessarily seek accolades, recognizing and celebrating their contributions is important, he said.
Rock would seem to agree wholeheartedly.
“Volunteering benefits everyone. It creates value for all,” she said.
Time to plan tends to go by fast, so organizers are already bouncing ideas around for next year’s theme, and she said to keep an eye out for information next February.
