They say volunteering is its own reward, but about 80 of Westlock’s volunteers got a little something extra last Friday night.
The town hosted a casino-themed volunteer appreciation night at the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre last Friday, which included a steak supper and the chance to win some prizes at the Blackjack tables.
“Thank you to all our volunteers; you really make this community a great place,” CAO Dean Krause told the crowd.
Councillors took the time to specifically recognize about a dozen of the town’s agencies that rely on volunteers, with each councillor taking it in turn to name members of the respective organizations.
Mayor Ralph Leriger began with the Economic Development Committee, noting how big a priority it is for the town.
“We’re really working on growing our tax base,” he said. “We really appreciate the hard work you do for this community.”
He also noted the Westlock Blooms, a group dedicated to town beautification projects, had a very successful year with the opening of the Georges Whissell Park at the north end of Main Street.
Coun. Curtis Snell congratulated the Spirit of Westlock Foundation volunteers for all their continued hard work on the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre fundraising, while Coun. Wyatt Glebe said he was impressed with the hard work of the Municipal Planning Commission, particularly in light of the early morning meetings.
“Each brings a bright open mind to the Municipal Planning Commission table, and at seven in the morning that’s amazing,” he said.
Coun. Sheila Foley said that while the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board fortunately has yet to meet this year, the volunteers should nonetheless be lauded for putting their names forward.
She also spoke of the many volunteers with Westlock FCSS: those who help seniors file taxes, those who deliver the Meals on Wheels and the other volunteer drivers as well.
Coun. David Truckey made note of the Santa’s Anonymouse elves, the senior’s bus trip driver, the Wacky Saturday team and the Westlock Intermunicipal Library Board — as well as Sister Eileen and her team at the Westlock Food Bank.
“That’s how they’re listed,” he said. “Sister Eileen and her team.”
Coun. Clem Fagnan spoke with some personal experience about the importance of the fire department, commending them on their skills and dedication to get up at two in the morning when a call comes in.
“They’ve come a long way since I was a member,” he said. “We put the wet stuff on the red stuff and that’s all we had to do.”
Following the formal thanks, volunteers were able to head over the Blackjack tables and the money wheels to turn their $5,000 into more funny money for raffle tickets.
