The valuable contributions volunteers continue to make to local organizations and the lives of people in communities around Newfoundland and Labrador cannot be overstated.
If anything, it can be understated.
These people give freely of their time and energies to do what they do the year round. Indeed, there are few days that go by when volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life are not active in some meaningful way.
Volunteer Week 2018 ended last Saturday, marking the province's 40th year of 'Celebrating the Value of Volunteers' since then-premier Brian Peckford proclaimed the special week of recognition in April of 1978.
Among those garnering attention this year were two north shore residents who have given much back to the municipalities in which they live — Warren Blanchard of McIvers, and Jamie Brake of Meadows.
In hometown McIvers, rookie Mayor Susan Park-White took the podium at the community hall to extend town council’s appreciation for the work local volunteers have done and continue to do to keep the town vibrant and active.
The new mayor and the deputy mayor, Alfred Park, stood to present former mayor Blanchard with a gold-plated wristwatch in appreciation for 25 years of volunteer service. At 73, Blanchard is now retired from council but remains active as a community service club volunteer.
Brake, the new mayor in Meadows, also continues to play a lead role in community recreation planning and development. He was selected to attend a volunteer reception at Government House with Lt.-Gov. Frank F. Fagan, patron of the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, and is wife, Her Honour Patricia Fagan, in celebration of the Community Sector Council Volunteer Week 2018.
Named winner of the Step Up Award for the western region, he was further honoured with the Recreation NL Volunteer of the Year Award. The latter award recognizes a volunteer for “outstanding efforts and invaluable contributions to the development of recreation.”
Indeed, such volunteer leadership as shown by Blanchard and Brake is wholly deserving of all such accolades.
Indeed, kudos are also extended far and wide to volunteer fire brigades around the province who keep vigil to assure lives and property are safe in the face of misfortune and tragic circumstance.
The McIvers Volunteer Fire Department acted promptly when called upon Monday evening to douse a fishing shed fire in Lower Cove. Their quick response, however unable to save the small wooden building and its contents, did serve to prevent flames from spreading and the potential for greater damage to other properties located in the area. No injuries were reported and no cause is yet determined.
Volunteers of another sort, led by Lorna and Fabian Lovell of McIvers, face the heat this weekend staging the 7th annual Janelle Blanchard Memorial Volleyball Tournament happening at Templeton Academy in Meadows.
Twenty teams are registered to take part in the Friday and Saturday competition bracket, proceeds from which go to support a high school scholarship given each year in memory of the late varsity athlete and community service helper who died from cancer in 2011 at the age of 15.
Bouquets are also extended to a team of five women who spearheaded a special fundraising bingo in support of an initiative by Summerside Lions to acquire a life-saving defibrillator device which can be used at the Lions center in case any medical emergency there. Working to support a great cause, the volunteers were Judy Langdon, Doreen Payne, Brenda Ruth, Hazel Hann and Leverne Byrne.
Dave White welcomes your Bay of Islands news and events information at 660-5712, or email at: [email protected].
