Volunteers have been an active driving force in Ponoka for many years. Without them and their efforts to benefit the community Ponoka would be very different. Volunteer week is an important designated time to recognize the hard work and dedication of the volunteers in the community.
Lynn Gray, manager of volunteer services for the David Thompson Health Region believes that volunteers play a vital role in Ponoka
“I don’t think that our community could exist without the effort of volunteers,” she said. “They are valuable in all areas of our community and there isn’t a day that goes by where there is not an active volunteer.”
From April 27 to May 3 volunteers in Ponoka will be celebrated and appreciated in different ways.
On April 27, the Leaders of Tomorrow awards will be given to two volunteers from three different categories: Elementary, Junior and Senior.
Nominations for this award have now been closed and all nominees will be invited to the event.
Throughout the week there will be different organizations that will be hosting their own events and socials.
On May 1, Spencer Beach will be speaking at the Kinsmen Recreation Centre with the topic of turning demons into diamonds. Beach’s life changed dramatically after a fire burned 90 per cent of hisbody while doing his job.
“He turns a negative to a positive and relays that it’s not what is on the outside that counts but the inside,” said Gray. “It’s going to be an awesome presentation. It’s a great opportunity to hear him speak.”
Also on May 1 the Morna Chorney award will be presented in her memory. Chorney was a strong volunteer in the community and this will be the second year the award will be given.