On Saturday April 21, the parking lot at the Chestermere Town Hall was filled with volunteers from all over Chestermere and South East Rocky View as the town took the opportunity to say ‘thank-you’ and recognize community volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Pancake Breakfast. Pancakes were whipped up and served by dignitaries and community volunteers while games were played, faces were painted and crafts were put together, all to the beat of the music presented by the Chestermere High School Jazz band. Children and adults alike enjoyed a tour of the fire truck displayed by the Chestermere Fire Department.
The Volunteer Appreciation Pancake Breakfast is an annual celebration of all the volunteers in our community who provide much needed support and services, donating their time as event coordinators and organizers, coaches and teachers, parent and guardian school volunteers, etc. It is a chance to recognize those who give to their community so willingly, a time to acknowledge those who go quietly behind the scenes, doing important, vital things for the community that so often go unrecognized.
This year, for the first time, there was the opportunity to recognize outstanding volunteers through nominations for Volunteer of the Year. Audrey McDonald was awarded ‘Volunteer of the Year’ for her extensive community service, Henry Faucher for his contribution to sports, and Charlene Hart for her role in supporting development of arts in the community. Anton Bondarenko was recognized for his leadership as a ‘youth’ and Marina Ferreira and Brynn Matthews were pronounced ‘leaders of tomorrow’ by demonstrating leadership and promise. Congratulations to all of those who were nominated. Your service to the community is valued more than you know.
There are many ways that you can become involved as a volunteer in Chestermere and the surrounding area: through sports or at the recreation centre, at town events like Waterfest or Canada Day, in a service club like the Rotary or Lions at a local school, or someone who helps with everyday tasks as an Everyday Angel. If you have questions about how you can get involved, contact the organization that you are interested in directly. For more information about Community Services and the Everyday Angel program, go to cscommunitycurrents.com or call 403-207-7060.
