A call out is being sent to any and all Ponoka-area volunteers and service group members who are interested in discussing how to rally people towards community service.
Maurice and Annmarie Mazurat are longtime volunteers with 1st Ponoka Traditional Scouting, as well Citizens on Patrol (COP).
The Scouts sold programs at the Ponoka Stampede but had a hard time getting enough people to sign up to help, and Maurice doesn’t think they’re the only ones dealing with that issue. Other groups are also struggling to find volunteers, he said.
“The trouble is every group has different problems but the main issue is shortage of volunteers,” said Maurice, adding that the younger generation just doesn’t seem very interested in volunteering.
A meeting has been scheduled for Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Scouts Hall to discuss ways forward for service groups who are losing volunteers due to their aging membership and other issues creating a shortage of volunteers.
Some of the groups Maurice has reached out to include the Kinsmen, Lions and COP though any volunteers or community-minded individuals are welcome.
At the meeting, the Mazurats hope a committee can be formed to try to promote ideas about the issues service groups are facing.