Volunteers are more eager to serve for short-term projects or events. Above, High Prairie Minor Soccer Association held registration for its upcoming season. Left-right are volunteers Nicole Auger, Emily Calliou, Shawna Flett and president Angie Halverson.

Richard Froese
South Peace News

People who volunteer tend to spend more time on short-term projects, fundraising and special events than longer commitments.

“People can pick and choose and free up a certain amount of time to help with something that interests them,” says Louise Myre, manager of Big Lakes Family and Community Support Services.

Mostly younger generations of adults who have children are choosing to reduce their time because of children.

“Although there are many young people who are hard-working and conscientious volunteers, it is difficult, in these busy times, for people to find time to volunteer and still maintain a commitment to their family and job,” Myre says.

Other organizations find short-term volunteers are easier to recruit and maintain than long-term.

“One good thing about volunteers in High Prairie is that they always step up to help for fundraising or in times of crises,” says Kim Dumont, director of High Prairie and District Food Bank.

However, some organizations like the High Prairie Minor Hockey Association still struggle to find volunteers.

“There is always a need for extra volunteers to help with short-term events, such as tournaments or fundraising,” president Tom Duchesneau says.

“The fewer volunteers we have, the less we can offer the association, and without any volunteers there would be no minor hockey in High Prairie.”

He says that – unfortunately – some volunteers are deterred by the lack of respect and support shown by a few members who may not agree or understand why some things have to be done the way they are.

“If everyone would spend some time volunteering they would soon appreciate the time and effort our volunteers put in day in and day out, far before the season starts, and much after the season ends,” Duchesneau says.

He adds local businesses are valuable for volunteers.

“Most of our volunteers are employed by local businesses, and the support that they give all of our volunteers, above and beyond all the financial support given through sponsorship, is greatly appreciated,” he adds.

“Before we contemplate doing our shopping outside of town everyone needs to realize, without supporting local business, we have less business owners, less volunteers, and fewer programs for our children.

“We need to support those who support us.”

For the short term, volunteers are usually eager to share their time and resources for events and fundraisers.

The Pioneer Thresh- ermen’s Association attracts a good contingency of volunteers for its special events in the summer.

“We can usually find enough volunteers for our fundraisers and major events like Canada Day, mud bogs and demolition derby and the summer country hoe- down,” says president Henry Nyberg.

The High Prairie Municipal Library is able to find people to volunteer for its special events and programs.

“Our library has been very fortunate over the years in this area, especially for the return short-term volunteers,” says Simone Blacha, who chairs the library board for the Town of High Prairie.

To recruit volunteers, the library can usually count on students who have been through its programs, patrons, friends and family of staff and board members.