Dear Editor,
I wanted to write and tell you all what an amazing group we have organizing the Volunteer Appreciation Evening, and while I didn’t want to bore you with all of this during the event, I did want to give a public and well-deserved pat on the back to the committee members!
I have to say thanks first to Cheryl Callihoo, for being our sounding board, for booking the Town facilities, and for being so flexible when we kept changing the program on her. She is a great, solid, calm person to have on the team. She is always willing to pitch in no matter how busy, plus she makes us laugh a lot.
Thanks to Elaine Dickie, who spent a ton of time going over and over the MANY fine details that it takes to pull off this event. I am always amazed to get there and find the extra things she has taken on and organized and not even mentioned, and that somehow makes its way to the evening. Her attention to these things is a true gift.
Anna Swan, as always, you are amazing! Feeding 500+ people can’t be easy, but you make it look like it is. AND it is so delicious! Everyone appreciates you so much, we are really lucky to have you.
Dale and Maureen Greig, your generosity and smiles amaze me. You give to so many groups in the community, and are always so happy to do it. Hosting the Green Room for the nominees on your own dime though, that takes the cake. I am so disappointed you already won the Rosemary Empey award, and I can’t nominate you again!
Adolf Bablitz, we so appreciate your calm way of chairing the selection committee, and the great sound advice you give the group. You have done so much organizing in the community, your experience is invaluable!
And last but not least, Ros Rudd. You were thrown into the deep end of the pool coming onto the committee, but you were cheerful, asked questions, and were truly a pleasure to have. You were so helpful and patient with all of us long-standing members! Thanks so much.
And to the local partners who contribute effort, resources and time to recognize the volunteers, kudos to you! Those partners being: Barrhead &District FCSS, Town and County of Barrhead, Barrhead Public Library, Blue Heron Support Services, the Barrhead Agricultural Society, Southside Greenhouse and Volunteer Alberta.
I hope everyone enjoyed the evening and next year challenge you all to nominate someone who makes a difference in your community!
Jenny Bruns
Chair of the Volunteer Appreciation Planning Committee
