Volunteers at Grouard were honoured on April 12. Left-right are Joe Auger, Norma Auger, Herman Sutherland, Kevin Auger and Bill Bernard.

Richard Froese
South Peace News

Dedicated citizens of Grouard and High Prairie were honoured during National Volunteer Week, April 10-16.

Volunteers were recognized in Grouard on April 12 and in High Prairie on April 11.

Both banquets were hosted by Big Lakes Family and Community Support Services.

Under the national theme “Volunteers are the roots of strong communities”, nominated volunteers each received a certificate and special gift.

“I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who give so much of themselves and expect so very little in return,” says Louise Myre, FCSS manager.

“The people invited tonight have volunteered on boards and organizations and have worked with all age groups to contribute to the health, safety, social life and development of the community.”

Volunteers from the Grouard Community Association, Grouard Seniors Community Club and Grouard Volunteer Fire Department were thanked.

Special words were expressed from Big Lakes County.

“We appreciate your hard work,” says Grouard Councillor Frank Sutherland.
“We hope you keep on doing what you do.”

During the High Prairie festivities, FCSS honoured volunteers who represented various organizations including the High Prairie Municipal Library, High Prairie Figure Skating Club, Ukrainian Cultural Society of High Prairie, High Prairie Repertoire Dance Society, junior curling, High Prairie Royal Canadian Legion, High Prairie and Area Chamber of Commerce, The Q Skate Park, 4-H, and Pioneer Thresher- men’s Association.

Volunteers were congratulated by High Prairie town council.

“Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to boom,” Mayor Linda Cox says.

“Thanks to volunteers, our community grows strong and resilient.”

Volunteers benefit both the giver and the community.

“Vibrant communities require that people in business, government, community, and non-profit organizations work together and at the heart of any community are people volunteering,” Cox says.

“You transform your life, the lives of others and your entire community by volunteering.

Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy, she says.

“You vote in municipal elections once every four years, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”

High Prairie held its banquet April 11. Some of the volunteers honoured are shown above. In the front row, left-right, are Colbi Pratt, Konner Killoran-Cox, Tracy Sherkawi and Leanne Cox. In the back row, left-right, are Cody Herr, Wendy MacIntosh, Janet Lemay, Don Ebbett, Lisa Zabolotniuk, and Louise Liebenberg.