CHARLES TWEED
One of the wonderful privileges of being a reporter is I get to meet many of the people who genuinely care about the community. I’ve often thought it’s rather easy to sit and complain about what you’d like to see changed be it in town, the country or the world but it is a heck of a lot more difficult to actually stand up and start doing something about it.
This week I attended Bullarama where I witnessed Sherry Gummow with the Ponoka Ag Society running around at the speed of light to make sure the event went off without a hitch. Then, when the dust settled and the winner had been declared she shifted into high gear, making sure everyone had a good time at the cabaret — I must admit I rather enjoyed myself.
And she would be the first person to tell you she couldn’t do it by herself. There were countless numbers of volunteers who helped sell tickets, serve beverages and provide security for the event.
To the volunteers of Bullarama my hat is off to you.
A good start but it doesn’t end there.
The next day I swung by the Relay for Life barbeque to take a few photos and what did I find?
More volunteers. There were community members flipping burgers, cutting buns and blowing up balloons.
At the head of it all is 17-year-old student Sarah Davis, who has taken it upon herself to make a difference in Ponoka.
The volunteers there would give you the Relay for Life shirt off of their back to make sure you were well taken care of. To the volunteers of Relay for Life my shirt is off to you.
From there I swung by the Ponoka Royal Canadian Legion where, you guessed it, I ran into more volunteers. This time it was legion members who had donated their time for a community garage and bake sale that raised money for new splash park.
To the volunteer members of the Legion my swim trunks are off to you.
That evening I shined up my shoes and headed out to Wolf Creek Golf Course where I attended the Ponoka Victim Services Gala. The dinner and dance gave Victim Services an opportunity to raise funds for the year. It also provided a rare chance to thank and acknowledge the many hard working volunteers it takes to make sure a service that is so important during time of need is available in town.
To the volunteers of the Ponoka Victim Services my shoes are off to you.
With volunteer week just passing, where Marnie Wilkins was the recipient of the Morna Chorney Heart and Soul award, I think we should all stop and take a moment to thank the many volunteers that make this community so great.
One of the brilliant things about volunteers is that they’re a renewable resource, so as I stand here — in my socks — I challenge everyone to strip down and take a hard look in the mirror.
What can you do to help?
Because someone is always looking for an extra set of hands and wouldn’t it be nice to volunteer?