Ponoka’s devoted volunteer base had better get ready to cover its ears as the community is getting ready to clap their hands together in appreciation.
National Volunteer Week runs from April 21 to 24, and to honour community a celebration is being held the at Kinsman Centre April 24.
“I think Ponoka is very fortunate to have so many people to help out,” said Kimberley Berly-Saunders, program co-ordinator with Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
“For us, to be able to actually have a celebration for these people is so neat,” she added.
Janice Mackie, coordinator of volunteer services at the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, feels, for a small town, Ponoka has a huge volunteer base.
The Centennial Centre has approximately 150 and Mackie says other incredible organizations brimming with dedicated volunteers include the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Ponoka Stampede.
“For a little town we rock,” said Mackie. “Ponoka is a very, very lucky town.”
And it isn’t only volunteers registered with an organization that are being celebrated. Mackie says any person who volunteers in the community deserves the recognition of this event.
“The whole event is to share and say thank you for these people who absolutely give.”
To put on the best possible celebration, several groups, including FCSS Ponoka Victim Services, the gymnastics club and Alberta Health Services, are coming together to raise the volunteers on a pedestal they deserve.
The celebration, which starts at 6:30 p.m., features refreshments and door prizes, as well of the musical stylings of Randi Boulton.
Boulton is a musician from Red Deer who is a finalist in the CBC Searchlight talent contest.
There is no admission cost for the event but donations for the food bank are welcome.