Volunteer Week - Boys and Girls Club of Durham

I vision this blog to be about my crafting obsession with some crochet and some sewing thrown in.

Annual Walk a thon, Rebekah, me, Oshawa Mayor John Henry

Sorry - today's blog has to be about the Boys and Girls Club of Durham and the very nice thing they did for me this week.  I was rather touched.

About a month ago I received a letter in the mail from the Ministry of the Attorney General.  Ian's first response was, "Wah, what did you do?"  I almost threw it out.  Turns out is was an invitation to the Volunteer Recognition Event held annually in communities across the province.  About 300 other Durham Region volunteers were going to be recognized for their community commitment.

Annual Gala

I don't volunteer to be recognized,  I do it because I think that just like the Club's slogan, it is a GREAT place to be.  If there is some small contribution that I can make to the club to keep it great, that is why I show up at meetings, clean up after terrifying camels during the annual walk a thon, and provide booze for the chariot of cheer.  Yes, they raffle of a wheel barrow of booze at the annual gala.  No joke.  This is totally my year.

I am but one of hundreds who contribute to the club.  I am glad to be counted as  one of their number.  There are so many, those who greet the kids as they come in the door to the after school program, those who make snacks each and every day, those who tend gardens, donate their expertise, be it in the creation of an accessible facility or teaching kids to read better.

Monday was a wonderful night to be surrounded by so many other community members and their organizations to celebrate volunteer milestones - Durham has dedicated volunteers - awards were handed out to those with five years, ten, 20, 25, 30 and even one with over 60 years of service!

Club Executive Director, Lisa McKnee Baker and me

If you do not volunteer somewhere, I recommend it.  Find a place you believe in and give your time.  You will get so much in return.  Leave me a note and tell me if you have volunteered.

Live High,

Heather