Sixty-one people, among thousands of volunteers in the Sundre community, received awards at the Town of Sundre volunteer showcase last week.
“To all of you gathered today and so many more who are not with us, I would like to take a few moments to honour and pay tribute to all the volunteers because you are the heart, the spirit and the soul of our community,” said Mayor Terry Leslie during the event.
It was hosted at the community centre on April 11, as part of Volunteer Appreciation Week. Awards were provided to youth, adults and businesses in the community.
“You model the phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child'. Your legacy is in our schools, your spirit and your modelling inspires children to believe they can change the world locally, across our country and in far-off lands around the world, without expecting thanks or recognition in return,” said Leslie.
He noted that students in both River Valley School and Sundre High School have volunteered in many aspects.
They donate to Santa's Anonymous, put shoeboxes together for Operation Christmas Child and fundraise for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Terry Fox Foundation.
They contribute to the Mountain View Food Bank, write letters and visit with Sundre's seniors, and participate in beautification measures around town, like planting flowers.
“Our kids reach out to help others around the world,” he said.
“Where do kids learn this interest in helping others? This curiosity about doing something when others would see insurmountable problems. Where do kids learn spiritual connectedness that causes them to understand they have much and want to share with those who don't have as much? Well, they learn it from you.”
Greenwood Neighbourhood Place officials Marita Stermann and Kim Free also spoke at the event. They provided people with information on where to go to volunteer.
A slide show was presented at the event that was comprised of photos of Sundre volunteers in action over the past year.
