When 2012 was designated International Year of the Co-Operatives by the United Nations (UN), co-operatives around the globe knew it would be a big year. When Saskatchewan announced the week of May 28 to June 3 was to be designated "Co-operative Week of Volunteering," local co-operatives Unity Credit Union and Delta Co-op decided to jump into action.
Knowing there is always need in a community for hands-on help for a variety of projects, the partnership of Unity Credit Union and Delta Co-op decided to throw out some ideas about where they could lend a hand. The co-op, stating they were a corporate sponsor of the Roughriders and were looking to have a Rider appearance at the Unity store anyway, threw in the idea to host a kickoff event including the Riders to help raise some money for the project at hand.
The idea took off from there. Both businesses state that social responsibility is part of their mandate, and do their best to help out in the community when needed. This was a good opportunity to partner the two groups and create something exciting.
Chris Getzlaff and Keith Shologan from the Saskatchewan Roughriders were treated to prime seats on "Cu-Co Field" May 12 where crowds lined up to get autographs, meet the players and have a photo or two taken. Attendees could also have a beef on a bun dinner, enjoy the sunshine and company of friends and purchase tickets at the raffle table which included some great prizes.
The Roughriders came to Unity from Cabelas in Saskatoon. Chris Getzlaff told one fan, "we make a lot of appearances before the season and we like doing it." He also stated, "the team is looking real good and I am excited for this season." The pair of Getzlaff and Shologan travelled 1,000 km Saturday with their two events. It was the second trip to Unity for Getzlaff, as he was here a few weeks ago with the respected anti-bullying program at UCHS.
It was commented by many fans in attendance how wonderful it is to have the Riders in our community and to be so personable and approachable for fans of all ages. When asked how many autographs a year they might sign, Getzlaff replied, "it would be hard to hazard a guess but I will throw the number 10,000 out there" and, he added, "we love meeting our fans."
The event also included a booth to pick up an official entry for the volunteer contest that offers some great prizes. Both businesses knew the local ball diamonds/regional park, where they offered to volunteer, was only one of many places that could use some hands-on help. So, they decided, with their event, to offer a chance for residents to commit to a minimum of two hours volunteer work in their community, as an individual or as a group, and have a chance to win some great prizes. The whole "pay it forward" theory with a little incentive.
The weather was wonderful. Considering it was busy seeding season as well as dance recital night, organizers were pleased with the turnout and response to their event. It was a fantastic way to celebrate the UN designation, kick off the volunteer week and mingle with the Riders while enjoying a meal.
A group of over two dozen volunteers from both businesses will work together May 29 and 30 to erect a sound booth/storage shed on the Credit Union Diamond at the regional park/ball diamond venue. Both organizations felt their staff volunteering to complete a project in their community that could be used for many years to come was the best way to leave their legacy from Co-Operative Week of Volunteering during International Year of the Co-operatives, 2012.
