Preeceville and area volunteers were acknowledged for their dedication to volunteering at a special tea held on April 12.
"This day is special as we honour our many volunteers in Preeceville," said Elaine Simpson. "Volunteers are the roots of strong communities and Preeceville is no exception. Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to boom. Thanks to volunteers, Preeceville has grown strong and resilient. Even the tiniest of a volunteer effort leaves a lasting trace in Preeceville, much like tree rings that appear over time. Volunteers nourish our lives with their energy, skills and talents. National Volunteer Week is April 10 - 16 and volunteering is a part of who we are as Canadians. lt is a time to thank Canada's 12.7 million volunteers.
"Volunteers are just ordinary people with extraordinary hearts. They offer the gift of their time to teach, to listen, to help, to inspire, to build, to grow and to learn. They expect no pay, yet the value of their work knows no limit. They've known the unexpected joy of a simple hug. They have planted tiny seeds of love in countless lives. Volunteers are just ordinary people who reach out and take a hand and together make a difference that lasts a lifetime. I want to thank each and every one of you for donating your time and energy to strengthen and make Preeceville a vibrant community and a great place to live."
Mayor Garth Harris proclaimed Volunteer Week in Preeceville from April 10 to 16.
Four individuals were acknowledged by their volunteer counterparts.
Jeremy Mattison was nominated by Bill Dodge and Doug King. He has been a dedicated volunteer coach with the Panther football team since 2005.
"He has worked with scores of young people in our community for thousands of hours," said Dodge.
"ln his time as a coach, Jeremy has helped us develop many good young citizens. He instils the values of dedication, determination, fairness, responsibility, respect and excellence. The passion Jeremy displays while coaching is about more than a sport. The former players from our program become his lifelong friends. He mentors players who become our productive citizens.
“Jeremy's selflessness has helped our town produce a first class perennial playoff football program, but it is also producing the good people we want as our neighbours and members of our community. The youth of our community benefit from the dedication of coach Mattison and the Town of Preeceville benefits from the production of good citizens that now live in our town. Jeremy is dedicated and passionate about this volunteer position. He plans for the future of our players and supports them in their pursuits on and off the field.”
Mary Petrowski was nominated by Ollie Maksymiw and Bea Sekel. She was born and raised in Preeceville.
"Mary may be a small lady in stature, but she is capable of doing great things," said Maksymiw. "She is truly one of the greatest volunteers 1 have ever worked with.
“Mary' s other services include assisting with the construction of the
Ukrainian Catholic church in 1979. She was involved with demolishing
the old church and starting various fundraisers for the new church. She worked as a volunteer for the Legion bingo for many years. She has been part of the historical society preparing the Preeceville history book. She played a very big part in the development of the Preeceville and District Museum, especially in the construction of the clay oven and is she also a member of the Preeceville long term auxiliary.”
The St. Patrick’s Preeceville Council of the Catholic Women's League of Canada strives to follow the League's mission statement, "calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God." The organization was nominated for recognition.
Founded in September 1964, members have been volunteering and serving the community of Preeceville for over 50 years. Currently 36 women, belonging to St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, are at various ages and stages of life and continue the tradition of community involvement.
"Our council is active in the Mushers weekend, willing to organize, prepare food, serve and clean up at the supper," said Kathleen Pitt. " Some members participate in the talent show, bringing in pledges, showing our support for this great need for our town and community.
“Some of our members help with delivery of Meals on Wheels, a big commitment as we are responsible for a month at a time. In the spring our members go to Mackenzie Training Centre to help celebrate birthdays. We provide cakes which we have baked, served with ice-cream, and then dance with the participants.
“We enjoy bringing entertainment, cakes, ice cream and strawberries to the Long Term Care for October birthday celebrations. Since it is late October we dress up in Halloween costumes and sing a variety of songs, some familiar and some maybe not.
“Members teach catechism to our parish youth, have helped the teachers with pancakes and sausages for the anti-bullying breakfast at the school, helped where needed for the Parkland Music Festival and we donate a scholarship. We are proud to lay a wreath as part of the Remembrance Day ceremony. Our now deceased member, Ellen Doetzel, played a big part as a cadet officer.”
Twice Preeceville has hosted the Relay For Life cancer awareness fundraiser. “We are pleased that many of our members participated, including one member on the organizing committee.
“We participate in the World Day of Prayer in March and take our turn as hosts at one of the Preeceville churches. Members participated in a Preeceville choir commemorating Saskatchewan's 85th birthday. We entered a float and read at the ecumenical service celebrating Preeceville's 100th birthday.
“Because we love to sing we have participated in the Preeceville Carol festival many times tying to bring the feeling of Christmas. In the past few years, we have participated in Old Home Week, selling homemade goodies. Our members visit shut-ins and the sick and bring them Holy Communion. Many of us attend Mass when it is held at the Preeceville Personal Care Home, staying after to visit with the residents," she said.
Mary Grimsrud was honoured in a special memorial by Hope Luciw. Mary was a dedicated volunteer for many years. She was a hostel auxiliary member for 33 years. She was on her eighth decade of life and held many positions within the auxiliary. She spent countless hours with the residents. She was game to try anything from dancing to cross-country skiing and curling. She often provided transportation for hostel field trips or for her friends. She enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“She was active in the church as a Sunday school teacher and held other positions. She did it all with a smile. Nothing ever troubled her. Through all this she looked after her ailing husband and her mother-in-law, and she helped raise her granddaughter. She was very humble about her endless volunteer work. She was a true inspiration to us all.”
