While travelling to and from Ladner via Highway 10, I noticed the Corporation of Delta advertising for volunteers for council committees. Having grown up in a family that believed in volunteering, it gave me pause to reflect on their contributions and the opportunity for others to join the legion of residents who offer time and expertise to their community.
We're influenced greatly by our family environment, without conscious awareness. I can recall growing up in a busy household with both parents working full time. They were also very community minded, volunteering with service clubs, historical committees, educational and health organizations, and at their place of worship. Safe to say, none of that rubbed off on a self-absorbed youngster.
But in some way, that community grounding is absorbed, and like my experience, there are many examples of generations of families contributing to a liveable community. The Corporation of Delta has need for public input in such areas as design and planning, parks and recreation, heritage, and traffic and safety. Anyone willing to volunteer on these committees has a chance of influencing staff recommendations and council's decisions. Delta council has a history of working well with volunteer organizations and societies on capital projects. These partnerships have resulted, in recent times, in the Boys and Girls Club clubhouse, McKee Seniors' Recreation Centre, Delta Sport Development Centre, the Little House, and Delta Hospice's Harold and Veronica Savage Centre for Supportive Care and Irene Thomas Hospice.
At the risk of offending many deserving folks, I offer kudos to Leslie Abramson, Carlene Lewall, Jim Stimson and Nancy Macey, to name but a few examples as driving forces behind these projects. And, yes, I know only one mentioned is a pure volunteer, although all had many volunteer supporters. Without their passion and sense of purpose, many of these and other facilities would not be in use today.
While on these examples, let's not forget the multitude of businesses, corporations and volunteers that made these examples happen because without the millions of dollars generously contributed and services and materials given, there would be no success stories.
And speaking of that, in my estimation the best example of Delta and volunteers working successfully together is the Kirkland House. The original home of the historic Kirkland family - John Kirkland and John W. Kirkland were reeves in Delta for a combined total of 17 years - the substantial Victorianstyle house was in danger of demolition 40 years ago.
Long unoccupied and deteriorating, and owned by the Genstar development company, the Corporation of Delta arranged a transfer of ownership with a parcel of land. Led by volunteers Colin Campbell and Matt Rogers as well as numerous valued locals, they have spent countless years renovating and restoring the crumbling structure and grounds into a highly successful community asset that hosts weddings and numerous events annually.
Safe to say, everyone's contribution helps build a better community. Anyone wishing an opportunity to offer time and skills will find an organization or service club to their liking.
And a good night to you, Judy.
