By Elizabeth Logue

If you visit the Volunteer Canada website,  you will read this definition of volunteering:

‘Volunteering is the most fundamental act of citizenship and philanthropy in our society. It is offering time, energy and skills of one’s own free will. It is an extension of being a good neighbour, transforming a collection of houses into a community, as people become involved in the improvement of their surroundings and choose to help others.

‘By caring and contributing to change, volunteers decrease suffering and disparity, while they gain skills, self-esteem and change their lives. People work to improve the lives of their neighbours and, in return, enhance their own. Every day, thousands of people voluntarily give their time and talent to thousands of organizations across Canada. They give their time freely and with no expectation of monetary reward. Their hours of service ensure that many activities are accomplished and many people are helped.’

Every day, in big ways and sometimes in small, I experience the generosity of time and energy of the people in my community. It may be that someone tucks the tag in that poking out from the back of my shirt, or offers me their car because mine broke down. I am ever thankful. Ever amazed at the conscientiousness and givingness. Ever grateful to have such neighbours. Ever in awe of the selflessness.

I feel I could argue successfully to have Wakefield designated the volunteer capital of Canada, perhaps of North America. Perhaps even within the whole Northern Hemisphere altogether! The caring and the dedication that emanates from friends and neighbours is palpable. Makes me proud. Fills me. Lifts me.

After a busy Dragonfest-filled time, I ended my weekend with my lovely family at a friend’s birthday party for their five-year-old son. The party was held at the Thorne Community Recreation Association near Ladysmith, just outside the boundary of La Peche. It snowed heavily all morning and my friends had cleared the rink twice already and were at it again in time for the party. We warmed up inside in the TCRA hall.

On the wall of the hall is painted this poem (author unknown). Granted it’s a bit outdated, but I found a fitting read with which to end my weekend. Here it is:

 

Many will be shocked to find

When the day of judgment nears

That there is a special spot in heaven

Set aside for volunteers

Furnished with big recliners

Satin couches and footstools

Where there’s no committee chair

No group leader or car pools

No team that needs a coach

No bazaar or bake sale

There will be nothing to staple

Not one thing to fold and mail

Telephone lists will be outlawed

But a finger snap will bring

Cool drinks and gourmet dinners

And rare treats fit for a King

You ask who will be there

To serve a privileged few

And work for all their worth?

Why all those who reaped the benefits

And not once volunteered on earth.

 

Thanks to all who dedicate their time to the betterment of others. Thanks to all those who pull up their socks when the call to arms is sounded. I raise a glass to you and yours!

 

Ed. note: Elizabeth Logue is a resident of Wakefield, Quebec.