National Volunteer Week is taking place this week and one of the key themes is the ripple effect that volunteers have in our community and province. Just like a rock that is thrown into water and causes ripples, the effort of volunteers’ ripples through a community and improves our province.
The Steinbach region is well known for its financial generosity. That was reinforced recently by a study that identified our region as the most generous in the country when it comes to charitable donations. Financial donations are just one form of generosity as many people also donate their time. Many organizations simply could not exist without the support of volunteers to help make their programs work.
Last week I meet with a number of organizations in Winnipeg and repeatedly I was told that one of the greatest challenges was getting volunteers. Many of the organizations said that while they were able to raise funds reasonably well, their greatest limiting factor was the volunteers needed to make their programs run properly. In many ways it seems that time has become a more valuable resource than money.
Because of that, it’s important that we celebrate and thank our volunteers. That was the purpose of the annual Manitoba Volunteer Awards gala which was held in Winnipeg on Tuesday evening at the RBC Convention Centre. It was the 32nd annual event and it honoured Manitobans who have volunteered their efforts in many causes across our province.
One of the recipients of an award on Tuesday was Rachel Penner who coordinated an effort to bring a playground and fitness path to Mitchell Middle School. An educational assistant at the school, Rachel was nominated by her co-workers as a way to recognize and say thank you for all her time and effort in the project. The efforts of Rachel and all those who volunteered have created a ripple effect in Mitchell from this project that will benefit many.
Of course, not every volunteer will be able to receive an award or public recognition. And that’s not the reason that people volunteer to begin with. But, a recent 2013 Canadian study showed that volunteers do appreciate a genuine thank you. Whether through words or a small token of appreciation, a thank you goes a long way. And in a time where many organizations are finding it more difficult to find and retain volunteers, a small thank you seems like one of the easiest things to offer up.
On behalf of all the Manitobans who benefit from the ripple effect of volunteers, I want to thank everyone who gives of their time to better our community and our province. Your efforts make our province a great place to live.
