National Volunteer Week is April 24 to 30.
The week is a chance to honour and recognize the importance of volunteers in all our communities.
Here in Delta, volunteers are the backbone of many organizations.
In today’s print edition, the Optimist pays tribute to several organizations where volunteers play a vital role to ensure that they are a success.
ElderCollege Delta is a not-for-profit society comprised of volunteers who provide opportunities for lifelong learning and social engagement for those in the 50-plus age group. I had a lovely interview with three of their volunteers last week. Combined, the ladies whom I interviewed, have more than 40 years of volunteer service with ElderCollege. That is an amazing amount of service to the community.
We also spoke with the Delta Hospital Auxiliary, who we have featured numerous times in the pages of the Optimist.
You can’t miss the Auxiliary volunteer army wearing their famous blue smocks. Their 300-plus volunteers put in more than 46,000 hours in their various programs in 2021 helping to raise more than $500,000 to purchase priority equipment for Delta Hospital. Where would our hospital be without the Auxiliary members?
Then we have the City of Delta, who rely on volunteers for several of its parks and recreation programs, and the Snow Angels program, where volunteers help shovel driveways in the winter for those citizens who are unable too.
There are the Delta Police, whose volunteers greet you at their District Community Police offices, help with speed watch and Block Watch or the reserve constables who help support many events and festivals.
Speaking of events, I’m sure many of you enjoyed the Easter celebrations this past weekend hosted by the Tsawwassen Rotary Club and the Ladner Business Association – all made possible by volunteers who gave up time with their families to ensure other families had an Easter to remember.
So join me in offering up three cheers to all Delta volunteers. Thanks for all that you do.
