BARRHEAD - Volunteers and volunteerism make all the difference in a community — thankfully, Barrhead has many great volunteers.
That sentiment was repeated repeatedly during the community's annual volunteer appreciation breakfast at the Barrhead Bethel Pentecostal Church on April 29.
County of Barrhead councillor and volunteer appreciation committee member Walter Preugschas said volunteerism in small rural communities is a way of life.
"I saw volunteering all around me. The school neighbours, friends and relatives," he said. "From very early on, we are taught that the value of volunteerism and money, while significant, is not the primary motive to do anything."
Moreover, Preugschas said volunteering taught him the importance of people and giving back to one's community.
Peace River - Westlock MP-elect Arnold Viersen, while not being able to attend in person, added wanted to thank all the volunteers, but especially the community's special volunteer winners who continuously go out of their way and go above and beyond to make their world and those of their friends and neighbours a better place.
"[Today] is a wonderful celebration of the incredible spirit of generosity and community that makes Barrhead an amazing place to live," he said. "As volunteers, you are truly the backbone of our community, giving your time, energy and passion to make a difference in the lives of others. Your dedication inspires us all and creates a ripple effect of kindness and positivity that goes far beyond what you can see. Our community is stronger and brighter because of your efforts."
Make a Difference Award - BARRHEAD CARES
The Barrhead and District Public Library created the Make a Difference Award to recognize groups and organizations whose volunteers make a difference in the community.
Barrhead CARES is a coalition of community members which banded together in 2003, initially as the Barrhead and District Drug Coalition, to combat the problems associated with the effects of alcohol and drug use in the community. In 2012, the group changed its name to Barrhead CARES to reflect its growing mandate.
Besides continuing its efforts against the harmful impact of drugs and alcohol, the group expanded their efforts to a bullying initiative, abuse and anything that deals with the health and safety of people in the Barrhead area.
Barrhead librarian Kyle Hughes said he first became aware of the organization 13 years prior after being "voluntold" to attend a CARES planning meeting.
"Many in Barrhead will be unaware of CARES before today, but almost all will have seen or felt their impact," he said. "Events like Make-A-Connection, dinner and dialogue with teens, where community leaders sit down with them and discuss how they perceive Barrhead, their struggles, and how the community can help their experience."
Hughes added Barrhead schools would likely not have an RCMP student resource officer, saying the organization secured the first grant, allowing the municipality to hire the first in what would turn out to be a string of SROs.
Other important and notable initiatives initiated by CARES include the F4 Family Fun Winter Festival, teen leadership summits at Camp Nakamun, Mini-Mounties, and the all-wheeled park development, to name a few.
"The success and impact of the Barrhead CARES Coalition have been the direct result of sponsors and volunteer agencies dedicated to building a safe and caring community, a partnership that I hope will continue far into the future," he said.
Youth Volunteer Award-Nikolas DeGroot
The Blue Heron Support Services Association (BHSSA) New to You Thrift Store staff nominated the 25-year-old Nikolas DeGroot.
The award is presented to a young person, 25 years old or younger, who demonstrates the best qualities of the community's youth through volunteering.
"Not only does he volunteer for us, but he also volunteers for many other organizations in our community," she said, adding that DeGroot began his volunteer career in 2015 while still in high school.
"Not only did he volunteer for things at school, but the Barrhead Food Bank," said Samantha. "Nick is a pleasure to work with, and his enthusiasm to give back to the community is evident every time and for every group he volunteers for. Without volunteers like Nick, who inspire the next generation, some of the smaller things that happen in our community that only happen because of volunteers would be swept away."
Long-standing Service Volunteer Award- Anja and Dennis Donkers
Pembina Hills School Division (PHSD) trustee Victoria Kane said she was proud to introduce and present the award, given to individuals with a long history of volunteerism and community service, to the Donkers.
However, she said introducing them was a bit redundant.
"Because let's be honest, no one in this room hasn't benefited from their generosity," Kane said.
Kane added that sometimes it is easy to forget the impact that they have had because their influence is so "deeply woven" into the community.
"It is easy to overlook all the events and causes that take place in our town, but they all have their fingerprints on them," she said. "Local events, programs, fundraisers, even evacuees in the time of crisis, one generous act at a time, they've shown up repeatedly. It is easy to take volunteers for granted. To assume fundraisers and events just happen ... but they don't. It is because of people like Dennis and Anja, people who give their time when it would be easier not to."
Herman's Heroes-Evelyn and Ken Anderson
The Herman's Heroes Award, sponsored by the Barrhead Royal Canadian Legion and named after Korean War veteran, long-time Legion member, and volunteer Herman Barkemeyer, is a recent addition to Barrhead's awards, being awarded to the award's namesake in 2018. One of the unique features of this award is that the previous winner chooses their successor. Last year, the winner of Herman's Heroes was Anna Swan.
Swan couldn't attend the event but stated via a letter read by co-MC Savannah Belyk.
"[The Andersons] are very fitting recipients of Herman's Heroes, with 30 years of volunteering experience with the Barrhead Agricultural Society and 4-H, putting in countless hours week after week attending [4-H] and ag society meetings, organizing and scheduling events, teaching riding lessons, fundraising, maintaining riding arenas and so much more."
Rosemary Empey Award-Daniel Wierenga
The award, established in 1992 in remembrance of Rosemary Empey, a volunteer who dedicated countless hours to the community, is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to the community. Robin Berard and Rose Cooper were also nominees for the award.
Derek Silgard, who nominated Wierega for his decade-long efforts as part of the Neerlandia Sports Committee, as well as for his efforts as a coach and director of the Barrhead Minor Hockey Association, roughly 12 years in total and eight years serving as a director with the Barrhead Golf and Recreation Area Society.
"He's not your typical director who just attends board meetings and shows up only as needed. He shows up during the storm and helps clean up after, whether pumping water or picking up sticks and always has a smile on his face."
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
