Volunteerism doesn’t come naturally to everybody, but to those who can’t help but fill their schedules with countless meetings, events and long nights away from home, we tip our hats.
Saskatchewan may be the volunteer capital of Canada, but Estevan isn’t just the Energy City for its coal and oil. It’s the Energy City because the people are energized. The community is active. So many in this area run to rallying calls whenever the need arises.
Without volunteers, our world would come to a standstill. Our society just doesn’t function fully without those who dedicate their time and energy free of charge and without any desire for reward.
Last week, we learned local resident Tina Bird would soon be receiving the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, joining the more than 170 other provincial volunteers who have also been recognized with the honour since its inception some 20 years ago.
But Tina isn’t the only woman last week who was recognized for her selflessness in the community. The Quota Club’s Women of Today nominations were announced last week, and six other women were recognized for their various commitments to the community. While only one will be crowned at the final ceremony and luncheon later in April, we appreciate the efforts of every one.
Estevan has a wealth of clubs, organizations and individuals that make it their duty to do something in this city. Whether they are hosting community barbecues or ensuring someone has a warm bed for the night, we need these people in Estevan, and we need to make sure they are properly thanked.
These sentiments are also extended to others who give their time but are, perhaps, not always so generously spoken of. We speak, of course, about our local politicians. They are the ones making decisions about how to spend our tax dollars, but the amount of time they spend at functions, in meetings and on committees is astounding.
While nobody will ever agree with all of the decisions they make, and some will agree with far fewer, there is still something to be said for the individuals willing not only to put themselves up to harsh scrutiny but also to give more of themselves to a community than most of us ever will.
And we don’t wish to discourage future volunteers by suggesting that it’s only the people who put in the most hours with the most agencies who matter. Every little bit counts. It’s not a competition. It’s the opposite.
We seek only to encourage more people to follow in the footsteps of our best volunteers. That can mean taking it one step at a time, a night here or an afternoon there at one-off events. It can mean joining a board or club and sitting in on a monthly meeting.
We don’t need everyone sacrificing every spare minute of their day, but as the saying goes, “many hands make light work.” There is a lot to do, and we can always use more hands.
With a number of events coming up in the next year, the opportunities to help will only grow. For those who accept the call and give themselves to this community, we say thank you.
