I can honestly proclaim that these past weeks have made me so happy to be part of small town living. The flooding facing almost all Pontiac towns has not been easy for our neighbors to live through. My heart goes out to each and every person who has been dealing with the stress and heartache of rising water and the inability to stop it. Not to mention the destruction it will leave in its wake.
In the midst of all this uncertainty, the one shining ray is the unconditional support volunteers have provided our community. It is heartwarming to see and read about people who have gone out to help sandbag, bought or made food for volunteers, or offered up homes to those in need. Local businesses and restaurants were generously donating food, drinks and other supplies, as well as services that could help the affected citizens.
We were blessed to have the aid of our Canadian Armed Forces who worked alongside volunteers hour after hour to try and keep the rising waters at bay.
The principals and teachers of our local schools had children sandbagging at the schools and bused children to help sandbag in the affected flooded areas. Having these extra hands was so helpful. It is awe inspiring and heartwarming to see a community come together in times of need.
Not only does our community shine in stress-induced times, it shines regularly, thanks to countless volunteers. In small towns we need volunteers for everything. Starting with programs like skating, to clubs, to sports, to organizations like the Lions and Lionettes who provide so much assistance to all those in need in our communities, along with countless others.
In order to make our communities thrive we need volunteers. We need people to help organize the events, we need people to fundraise, we need people to help advertise the event and we need people to come to the events. We owe a huge thank you to all those that have been volunteering for years and years and who continue to do so, graciously, because volunteering can be hard.
There are so many amazing volunteers in our community, some of whom have been volunteering for decades and decades and continue to tirelessly help our community. Without them our community would be lacking so many important programs, events, assistance etc. Thank you to all of you for all that you do.
So, there you have it. This week’s article is a plea to those who think they may enjoy some camaraderie with others who share an interest in helping make our town better. Whether it be someone who might like to read to children, flip burgers at a charity barbecue, put up posters to advertise an upcoming event, help organize an annual event, coach a soccer team or hundreds of other positions that could be filled or shared.
If you’re interested in helping out in your town contact the president or a member of the organization of your choice. I am certain your step towards helping others will be graciously received. Volunteering is no easy feat however, you can be sure to feel rewarded once you’ve helped a group of people who work so hard to better the town we all call home.
For those who just don’t have any room to spare in your busy schedules, you can still help. You can participate in the events that are planned by showing up. You can participate in the take down or set up of an event that is already planned, you can help by getting the word out. These things do not need you weekly/biweekly/monthly, only once in a while and your donation of time will be gratefully accepted.
To all those sitting on the cusp of wanting to help out in some way I urge you to do it. Each and every organization can use new blood in some way, shape or form.
We at the Parents’ Voice Shawville are always looking for new parents to join our committee. Help in any form is always appreciated.
Until next week, think of how you can make a difference in your town.
