Volunteers who put in the effort should be recognized by their communities. That was the message behind all of the awards and speeches made at the Barrhead &District Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, held at Bethel Pentecostal Church, on Wednesday, April 13, where the Rotary Interact Youth, Rylyn Laing, Adelheid Semler, and Wayne Reay were honoured.
Ben Kellert, emcee of the evening, said one of the area’s greatest resources are their volunteers.
“It was an honour for me to come out and to be a part of the evening once again this year,” Kellert said.
In an age where volunteerism seems to be in the decline, Kellert said, it is exciting that there are so many individuals and groups that are active and involved. Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken shared Kellert’s opinion, adding much of rural Alberta’s history consists of neighbours helping neighbours.
“One of the secret joys of life, in my opinion, is in helping others,” van Dijken said.
Town of Barrhead mayor Gerry St. Pierre and County of Barrhead reeve Bill Lee thanked the nominees and award-winners on behalf of the town and the county, with Lee adding that volunteers make the community a better place.
“Whether they were up on-stage on April 13, or will be at some point in the future, what they do in the community makes it better and it makes us whole,” Lee said. The Making A Difference Group Award, which began as a Barrhead Public Library initiative, was awarded to the Rotary Interact Youth for their recent involvement in an orchard-planting project in Haiti.
“They are an inspiration to everyone,” Kellert said. The Youth Service award, established in 2010 in an effort to recognize individuals under the age of 24 who have demonstrated volunteerism in the community, which has continued on into adulthood, was awarded to Rylyn Laing.
Rylyn is described as a shining star showing incredible leadership and dedication to the betterment of everyone around her,” Kellert said, adding Liang was the first person to hold the position of youth board member for the Blue Heron Support Services Association and received recognition because of her positive attitude, leadership qualities and work ethic.
Established in the same year as the Youth Service award, the Long-Standing Service award was given to Adelheid Semler. “I wasn’t expecting this,” Semler said, adding volunteerism has made a big difference to her own life. “I don’t do it for the appreciation, but for the rewards and blessings that it gives to me. All volunteers are winners.”
The Rosemary Empey Award, established in 1992, recognizes individuals who demonstate outstanding commitment and dedication for the benefit of the community, was awarded to Wayne Reay.
Raey is currently training as a volunteer fire fighter with the Barrhead Fire Department, and also donates some of his time to the New To You Thrift Store. “He is faithful in his duties, steadfast and reliable,” Kellert said of Reay, adding his willingness to help is what makes him an invaluable team member.
