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Wetaskiwin and region generous to charities

Pipestone Flyer

 

Wetaskiwin Mayor Bill Elliot signs a declaration for Volunteer Week in 

Wetaskiwin.

 

Wetaskiwin has acquired a much deserved reputation for being a charitable community. Just ask any of the 150 charitable organizations operating in Wetaskiwin and they will tell you how willing businesses, individuals and corporations are, to supporting the various worthwhile causes. Attend any of the numerous charitable golf tournaments, galas, suppers and other fundraisers and witness first- hand the generous giving of time, money, sponsorship and auction items.

A very important resource for organizations is the readiness for citizens to volunteer. That is why for the past several months a dedicated ‘volunteer committee’ led by Sharla Campbell, City of Wetaskiwin FCSS, and Volunteer Services has been thoughtfully sharing ideas to plan a celebration worthy of the 20th edition of Volunteer Week. This tribute will recognize the multitude of volunteers required to operate the approximately 250 volunteer organizations served in a region stretching from Alder Flats to Gwynne and Millet to Hobbema. Volunteer week was proclaimed by Mayor Bill Elliott to be celebrated in Wetaskiwin the week of April 15th to 21st, 2012.

Sharla Campbell is proud of the achievements of volunteers and reminds us that,  “April 21, 1992 was the first annual Wetaskiwin & Area National Volunteer Week celebration. Twenty years have passed and many, many accomplishments have been recognized, many speeches have been heard and most importantly of all, many volunteers have heard the words ‘thank you’ echoed through the community, just for them!”

The Committee has unveiled an ambitious celebration for Volunteer Week 2012 including:

 

1)Two Workshops

Engaging New Canadians as Volunteers - 

Intersections: Supporting Rural Organizations to Better Engage Immigrant Volunteers 

Learn how to better integrate immigrants as volunteers and active members.

Thursday, April 05 at 1:30 pm

 Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum 

Screening Volunteers In … Not Out 

Learn how to create an inviting culture that attracts and retains new volunteers; develop effective screening procedures –showing volunteers and clients they are valued; and discover tools that help you re-think your organization’s approach to screening. 

Thursday, April 05 at 7:00 pm 

Hugo Witt Room, Millet Agriplex, Millet 

Deadline to register is Monday, April 02.

2)Volunteer Appreciation Night featuring comedian Ken Valgardson 

Thursday, April 19 -- 6:30 – 8:30 pm 

Wetaskiwin Memorial Centre, 5206 – 50 Street.The small gift of a ticket to this event is a great way to show your appreciation for the time and talents your volunteers share with you all year round! Tickets $7.00 each

A PowerPoint presentation will be a special feature at the Volunteer Appreciation Night. Have your  organization featured in the presentation by submitting THEN and NOW volunteer photos.  Submit at least two photos of your volunteer organization in action – one from your organizations past (20 years ago if you have them) and one taken within the last year. Also include a one sentence description of what the photo is about and when it was taken. 

Photos must be submitted by Friday, April 13!

3)Treat your volunteers to a much deserved break! 

Give them a free Coffee Break coupon and they can enjoy a free coffee or tea during Volunteer Week. Another great way to use your Coffee Break coupons is to get your volunteers together and go for coffee at one of the participating restaurants. Have a great visit and enjoy each other’s company. 

2012 Participating Restaurants: 

Wetaskiwin: A & W Drive In;  Co-op Country Junction;  Grandma Lee’s;  Smitty’s. Millet: Millet Skillet. Westerose: Charlie’s Place ; Daisy McBeans. Falun: Faye’s Diner. Winfield: Winfield Family Restaurant.

CALL 780-361-4425 now to reserve your free Coffee Break Coupons!

Sharla describes the work of volunteers as, “essential to maintaining resilient communities at home and around the world.  The list of volunteer groups in our community is endless. The Wetaskiwin & Area Volunteer Week Committee hopes that you will join us in celebrating 20 years and take part in National Volunteer Week 2012!”

For more information contact Sharla at (780) 361-4425

E-mail: scampbell@wetaskiwin.ca