Courtesy Photo

CHESTERVILLE – Behind the scenes at most events, both locally and otherwise, there is a team of volunteers in the background.  These volunteers have spent time in meetings to organize the event, arrived to the event early and left long after the visitors left.

In Canada, April is recognized as Volunteer Appreciation Month and throughout this past month there have been many events to honour the work of volunteers.  The week of April 19 thru 25 was considered to be National Volunteer Week, and this year the theme was “Ignite Volunteerism” and was focused on celebrating and recognizing the volunteer work done in the community.

While volunteerism isn’t something new, it is becoming increasingly important in the world of today.  Volunteers can be found in many community groups such as the Chesterville and District Historical Society and other historical organizations, in horticultural societies throughout the region, at book fairs, local service clubs such as the Lions or Rotary as well as serving as hospital volunteers, Meals on Wheels drivers and many more.

This leads to the question of why do people volunteer their services?  There are probably as many answers to this question as there are people.  These include helping those in need; giving back to their community, personal development, building social connections, modelling kindness to others, learning new skills, and reducing stress.

Volunteer Canada is an organization which provides information on many different aspects of volunteerism on their website located at www.volunteer.ca.  On this website, there is an interactive value of volunteering wheel which provides a graphic representation of the benefits of volunteering and as well “serves as a portal to research” showing the economic and social value of volunteers to the community.

How does one become a volunteer is as simple as asking a friend or neighbour about opportunities to help out in your area.  There is always a need for people to help out at events such as fairs, food banks, and organizations such as those mentioned above.  In addition to that a person can check out the Canadian Red Cross, Parks Canada, Habitat for Humanity, the Canadian Service Corps and opportunities to assist people in web design or technology.

Whatever path your volunteering takes, it is suggested to remember that when a person volunteers their time and effort, the needs of other people are placed ahead of their own.  So, the next time you participate in organized sports or attend a dinner or play it is important to remember there is a good chance that the people who make it happen are volunteering their time, knowledge and energy.

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