Editor,
Today I needed to use the handy contact list in the Arts and Rec Centre’s Activity Guide, and the more than 200 local volunteer groups listed reminded me how very lucky and thankful we are for the thousands, yes thousands, of volunteers who step up to help with everything from cricket, air cadets, roller derby, food bank palliative care, 4H to Billy Barker Days, Rotary, Lions, Legion, Live Arts, twinning, swimming and, yes, to belly dancing and a laughter club.
All of that reminded me of a headline in last week’s Quesnel Observer that commended our Hospital Auxiliary for their 12,000 hours of volunteer service in 2017.
Indeed, how lucky we are!
The City of Quesnel and the Quesnel Observer, as co-sponsors of our Volunteer Citizen of the Year program, recognize and appreciate the efforts of so many who give so much of their time and talent to contribute to Quesnel’s enviable level of community spirit.
Since 1980, our 37 Volunteer Citizens of the Year were each selected from their peers, by their peers, for their voluntary contributions to our community.
And since 2009, 18 Silent Hero and Lifetime Achievement Awards have been bestowed upon even more deserving volunteers.
The Friday, March 9, nomination deadline is just a week away, and at the time of writing, we have no nominations!
Groups, clubs, organizations, businesses and individuals are asked to please think about a nomination for the 2017 Quesnel Volunteer Citizen of the Year.
A nominee needs not be a member of a group; indeed, think about someone from the community at large.
In view of the always difficult task of selecting an annual award recipient, we welcome repeat nominations.
The awards dinner will be held during Canada’s Volunteer Week in April.
We are sure you know someone who has gone above and beyond in volunteering for an event, a service, a sport or a community cause, whether as a member of a group or on their own. Quesnel and area enjoys a long and proud reputation of community spirit, and you can help preserve that precious reputation by nominating a volunteer that should be recognized and thanked for their service.
A nomination form is available online at www.quesnel.ca, at City Hall, the Quesnel Cariboo Observer, by contacting me at 250-992-8994, or by contacting one of our past Volunteer Citizens of the Year.
Please consider nominating a worthy volunteer and help celebrate and preserve Quesnel’s enviable reputation of voluntary service. After all – we’re all volunteers – it’s in our nature!
Councillor Ron Paull, chair,
Quesnel Volunteer Citizen of the Year Committee