When I first moved to Roberts Creek, leaving a well-paying job in the city, I couldn’t find full-time work on the Coast no matter how hard I tried. I got so down about it at one point I remember thinking that if I stayed here, I might never work again.
Instead, I volunteered a few hours a week at a community garden in Sechelt. The work became a calling, re-igniting my passion for sharing the joys of growing fruits, flowers and vegetables. I worked with some great kids who needed support and I met another volunteer who became an awesome friend.
The garden gave me real purpose at a time when I was eager to feel needed and as the flowers grew, so did my confidence. It was an unexpected bonus that I was getting way more out of volunteering than the number of hours I was giving.
Fast forward a few months later and via volunteering, I made a new contact which eventually led to a full-time job in downtown Sechelt. Today, I count volunteering as one of the best choices I ever made.
That’s the ripple effect, and it can happen to volunteers as well as by the act of volunteering, as one good deed or service leads to others. And while volunteering is often its own reward, recognizing the contribution of volunteers in our community gives a welcome high-five to those who willingly give their time. Appreciation also helps raise awareness of volunteer opportunities, encouraging more people to get involved.
April 12 to 18 is National Volunteer Week (NVW), a time to recognize, celebrate and thank volunteers. Now in its 74th year, NVW is the largest celebration of civic participation in Canada.
In small, tight-knit communities such as ours, volunteers add invaluable hours of people power and energy to local events, organizations and individuals needing a little extra time and attention.
Want to volunteer? Look for volunteer opportunities advertised in this paper, visit the Sunshine Coast Volunteer Centre (scvolunteer.com), offer to lend a hand via a local organization or event, or just ask your neighbour if they could use a bit of help in the garden this spring.
Want to celebrate volunteers in our community? That’s easy! When you see a volunteer this coming week — or anytime — simply offer a heartfelt wave and “thanks so much!” for their contribution to the community.
