Volunteer Week is Upon Us - Let’s Celebrate!

Kelli McRobert | Apr 19, 2023

This week, April 16-22, is National Volunteer Week (NVW), and it is appropriate that is also ties in nicely with the upcoming Pitch-In week that happens annually the 2nd-3rd week of April. In Frontenac, the thank you dinners have begun for local volunteers and the townships are also supporting local clean up causes with free pick up of roadside bags for the next two weeks.

National Volunteer Week 2023’s theme is “Volunteering Weaves Us Together. This reveals the importance of volunteering to the strength and vibrancy of our communities through the interconnected actions we take to support one another. These diverse forms of sharing our time, talent and energy strengthen the fabric of our community.” NVW is in appreciation for the over 24 million volunteers that support local causes throughout Canada. #NVW2023 for more information go to https://volunteer.ca/nvw

Last week, the Hinchinbrook Rec Committee hosted a tasty roast beef dinner with all the fixings to thank their committee members for all the hard work they have put in this past year. The dinner was an annual event, however, COVID had stopped the events for the past few years. This year was the first year back since the hiatus and 20 members enjoyed a fabulous hot meal at the Parham United Church Hall. Shout out to Tim, and the volunteers, who worked behind the scenes planning and preparing a menu of roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw, buns, pickled beets, dills, and a lovely Foodland vanilla cake for dessert.

Along with a few announcements by Tina Howes, there were some fun games of word search and puzzles to win a pretty door prize. Meetings are normally the third Wednesday of the month from 7-9 PM, and Tina noted that they are always looking for more volunteers to help with the canteen and other fundraising events.

After dinner, there was a special presentation by Chairman Bob Teal to Mary Howes on behalf of the Citizens of the Township of Central Frontenac for her “15 years of dedicated service to the district 4 Recreation Committee.” The framed certificate also went along with a tree being planted in her honour at the local Parham Fair Grounds so the tribute will continue to be represented locally for years to come. Along with friends, family, and recreation committee members, Councillor Nicki Gowdy was in attendance to thank Mary for all her hard work.

Thank you to all the volunteers who work tirelessly to support the various organizations in our community. Without you, it would be difficult to meet the ever-changing demands of the residents in Frontenac County.

And to Mary Howes, congratulations, and thank you for your commitment to your community.