Where would communities like the Sunshine Coast be without volunteers? It's a question I've been pondering this week, as April 23 to 29 is National Volunteer Week.
National Volunteer Week is a chance to pay tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers across the country who give of themselves to better their communities.
According to the 2003 National Survey of Non-Profit and Voluntary Organizations, more than half of Canadian non-profit organizations rely solely on volunteers to fulfill their mission. There is no question that these special people who volunteer more than two billion hours a year in Canada enrich our lives.
Volunteers are the life-blood of the Sunshine Coast. Without them, there is no way we could accomplish the things we do.
The past two weeks, both the District of Sechelt and the Town of Gibsons have held volunteer recognition luncheons.
Reporter Christine Wood captured last week's luncheon in pictures and I did the same on Monday at The Club in Gibsons.
The people I met and learned a little more about on Monday blew me away.
The Town of Gibsons paid special tribute to 11 individuals and awarded them with recognition certificates. You can see the photos and find out who these individuals are on page B8.
But these people weren't the only ones on hand. The program handed out by the town lists names of more than 70 other volunteers who gave up their free time to work on the town's select committees, the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority, Sea Cavalcade and Communities in Bloom - just to name a few.
We can't forget about the talented and courageous men and women who volunteer with our fire departments, Search and Rescue and Coast Guard Auxiliaries or the many service organizations in this community.
From Rotary to the Lions Club, to the Elves Club and Citizens on Patrol, this community could not offer the many programs and services it does without volunteers.
And how about all the events and activities we enjoy -the church bake sales, the music and arts festivals, events like Earth Day and the Polar Bear Play day at the arena - all made possible by volunteers.
We can't forget about the sports community either. This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. I seem to come across the same people - at the arena, the soccer field or the ball diamond - either coaching, refereeing, scorekeeping or cheerleading.
In honour of this week, and after you've finished reading this week's edition, be sure to thank a volunteer for all that they do. The Sunshine Coast is a better place because of them.
