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July 19, 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Town of Qualicum Beach Honours Volunteers

Qualicum Beach, BC – On Friday, July 9, 2010, MLA Ron Cantelon, Town Council and staff, honoured community volunteers at the Town of Qualicum Beach Volunteer Appreciation Reception held at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

Volunteerism is symbolic of everything that makes Qualicum Beach the great community it is, and will continue to be.  Qualicum Beach is a community with heart; a community with spirit; and a community with old-time values, neighbour helping neighbour.  Volunteers can be seen everywhere:

·         At the special events

·         In the partnerships to develop and operate facilities and services

·         In youth programs, seniors programs, sports, heritage, arts and culture

·         Greeting new residents and welcoming visitors

·         Protecting our environment, and keeping our roads and neighbourhoods safe

·         Providing advice to Council

These are just a few of the many ways in which volunteers maintain the vitality and closeness of our community.

“Volunteerism is deeply rooted in our country’s history and culture.  From the time of early settlers when they had a barn-raising or a school-raising –- which is how The Old School House was constructed –- neighbours came from near and far to help.  Times have changed but not the spirit of volunteering,” said Mayor Westbroek, noting, “In some cultures they wait for someone else to do the work, or they expect ‘government’ to provide.  In Qualicum Beach, local government fills the role of facilitator and supporter, enabling the volunteers.  We are so lucky to have concerned volunteers who see a need and have the conviction to try and meet it. 

Volunteers care for others and make a difference.”

Council recognized the time and effort contributed to the Town by volunteers, including:

·         Volunteers appointed by Council resolution to the Town’s committees, commissions and boards;

·         Volunteers nominated by a special event group, volunteer organization or non-profit association to represent their group this evening; AND

·         Volunteers Council invited who they recognize have individually made a significant contribution to the community during the past year.

The volunteer groups and committee members honoured this year are listed on the 2010 Volunteer Appreciation Recipients award will hang in the Town Hall foyer, with the Above and Beyond Volunteer Award plaque.

Highlights of the evening included:

• Above and Beyond Volunteer Award to Faye Smith, chosen by Council from the many worthy volunteers nominated by the public and Council

• Communities in Bloom Street Style Awards nominated and presented by Town staff to Ann Langer, for first place, Stella and Brice and Brock Stevenson for second place and Janice Glaister for third place.
• “Dig this Design” Award to the District 69 Family Resource Association
• Drawing Tom Whitfield’s name from the volunteers in attendance, to be the lucky winner of a variety of local gift certificates.    

It is reported that nationally, volunteering drops off after age 40.  Looking around the room at the Volunteer Appreciation Reception, it was evident that Qualicum Beach is above average in this area too, with citizens actively volunteering in their senior years.  We have a wealth of experience and talent in our community and, luckily, people who are willing to share of themselves.  The evening closed with a sincere thank you on behalf of the whole community and a challenge to introduce a friend to volunteering, keep up the good work, and keep making a difference. 

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Contact: M.D. (Mark) Brown, CAO, 250.752.6921