In recognition of National Volunteer Week (April 16-22), the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury held its second annual Volunteer Appreciation event on Thursday night at the BWG Leisure Centre.
The evening was held to recognize the contributions of local volunteers who support the town's events and programs.
The participants in the Event Volunteer Program and BWG Leisure Centre programs were invited to the multi-purpose room where they received certificates and were thanked by Mayor James Leduc and other councillors. The event included refreshments and appetizers by Off Cut & Co.
“It’s always important to acknowledge our volunteers," Leduc told BradfordToday. "Without our volunteers we wouldn’t be able to put events on.”
He went on to say: “We love our volunteers. They do a big job for us, and they’ve really shown an interest. So, tonight is all about their success of helping us, and we wanted to show our appreciation by doing this for them.”
When he addressed the crowd, Leduc stressed the importance of volunteerism to a community and how it is a way to get to know the community better. He also related how it led to him being involved in politics.
“We are such a beautiful, diverse, community. We just need to say hi to everyone. Reflect on that," said Leduc.
He added the volunteering option brings the opportunity to meet people of different cultures, and that’s a great thing to do, he added.
Leduc thanked the volunteers on behalf of council. “Please spread the good news: volunteering is fun," he said.
Coun. Nickolas Harper agreed.
“This town dips into volunteers of all ages, ranging from youth to our seniors," said Harper, noting there are many groups in town that rely on volunteers as well. “The more involved we can get, the more we become a community, and that is where it all lies.”
Volunteer Mehak Prashar said she saw a notice for the Event Volunteer Program on the BWG website.
“I am in Grade 10 currently, so I had to get my 40 volunteer hours, and I said sure why not, what a great way to get into the community and get my hours. I started and really loved it. I continue to do it," Prashar said, adding she has been involved in many events.
Volunteers in the BWG Event Volunteer program are trained to help with a variety of tasks such as assisting with event set up and take down, crafts, tracking attendance, distributing information, and collecting event surveys. Hours spent volunteering can be used towards high school graduation requirements.
Not everyone in the program is in high school. Darlene Burnetta, an accountant, said volunteerism is important to her.
“The reason I got involved with the town is that I think a sense of community is extremely important. I thought, I want to see the community come together," said Burnetta, who has been an event volunteer since 2021. It’s “lovely and it’s important,” she said.
Gerald Carter and Rebecca Bellamy were recognized for their volunteerism with the seniors club.
Michieli, 22, has been a volunteer since high school.
“I like giving back to the community. I did a little bit of everything; the Carrot Festival, the Santa Claus parade, the movie nights," she explained, adding she enjoys meeting new people and listening to their stories. Her brother, Brindon, is also in the program.
The BWG Event Volunteer Program began in 2017. It established a group of volunteers that have assisted with various community events in Bradford West Gwillimbury, including Canada Day, Carrot Fest, movie nights, the Santa Claus Parade and more.
Thanks in part to the program, the town has been able to expand events and provide a higher level of service to the community. People of all ages are encouraged to enter the program.
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