I bet everyone could finish that quote. It is one we have all heard on numerous occasions for different reasons. If your stuck... "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". This was paraphrased from an earlier speech but the meaning stayed the same when used in JFK's inaugural speech in 1961. Far be it for me to be quoting an American President, but there are few other statements that carry the message I want to expel here.
I find the quote most useful when trying to address the issue of volunteerism.
I am a volunteer, it provides me a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Each person's reason for volunteering is different. Ask a person why they do it, and they will have a very personal reason in their answer. As we come to the time in the year where volunteers are celebrated, I am here to ask more people to find the time to step outside of their comfort zone and volunteer.
In the various events in St Albert that I have been involved in, one message has been heard time and time again. "This is what St. Albert is all about.". In order to keep the small town passion, and to keep these family oriented events going, we need more volunteers across all age groups. The largest volunteer sector is the +55 age group and I applaud them. They love their community and are willing to come out to help keep the spirit alive.
Today, I am writing this blog to the families in St. Albert. It is up to the parents to set the example to their children. Can you imagine if everyone in the community gave just 10 hours a year in volunteer time?
Now, I know that I am being laughed at, I am laughing at myself. What is true about volunteers that are currently involved is that they volunteer, on average, more than 5 times that and some, more. More than they can afford really, but they do it anyway to fill the gap. Imagine, if you will, that everyone else stepped up to assist with a small commitment for a day, a weekend, or a few hours a month. What a difference it would make.
Although I am a part of The Spirit of St Albert Society, and you will see us asking for volunteers, we are not the only group. For those of you who answer the SOSA call in the coming weeks, we thank you.
For those who find a different organisation that they can relate to, and volunteer with, I thank you. The message is the same, each of these organisations in St. Albert offers a lot to defining the community. It's time that everyone helps write that story that will be told 100 years from now. The story that talks of the amazing work completed at the hands of volunteers. If there is a legacy that we want to leave our children and their children it is that St. Albert was build on the efforts of its community, it's volunteers.
I am a proud St. Albert Volunteer. Stand up and be counted and make the difference that each of us can make!
To find out who needs help, visit St. Albert Community Information and Volunteer Centre at www.stalbertcivc.
To volunteer for the upcoming SOSA Baby Food Foodbank Drive (June 9th), Soapbox Derby (June 17th), or Annual River Valley Picnic (Aug 26th), email SOSA at info@spiritofstablert.ca
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