Next week marks National Volunteer Week and what better time to recognize the dedicated efforts of the people that keep our community thriving.

National Volunteer week runs April 10th-16th. This year’s theme is ‘Volunteers are the roots of strong communities’.

Oftentimes, we as Red Deerians attend numerous events or functions on small and large scales, but we rarely think about what goes into putting that particular event on. Whether it be a sporting event, a charity golf tournament or gala, most times volunteers are involved to not only plan the festivities, but to make sure the event runs without a hitch.

Next week will be all the more reason to recognize these outstanding citizens who help shape our community each and every day.

According to the Volunteer Canada web site, “Volunteers are the roots of strong communities. Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to boom. Thanks to volunteers, our communities grow strong and resilient. Even the tiniest volunteer effort leaves a profound and lasting trace in a community, much like tree rings that appear over time.”

Volunteers can be found throughout the City lending a helping hand in a variety of capacities from visiting seniors in nursing homes and lodges, to driving meals to those in need via Meals on Wheels, to others who make dinner for people at the homeless shelter and many more who sit on a variety of community boards, etc., just to name a few. Volunteers are embedded in every aspect of our society and it’s these selfless individuals that make Red Deer truly the community it is today.

Taking a look back at some major events that have been held in the City including the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, The Brier, and the Olympic torch relay events, to the Tour of Alberta, volunteers have been heavily relied on to ensure the success of those events. Next month the City will host the 2016 MasterCard Memorial Cup where undoubtedly countless volunteers will help ensure the event runs smoothly and will be enjoyable and welcoming for visitors to our community.

And as Red Deer heads towards the 2019 Canada Winter Games, of course more volunteers will be needed to not only help plan those events but to help when the Games ultimately comes to the City as well. We know that when the time comes, Red Deerians will step up to the plate to help ensure this major sports event is a success for the community as a whole, just as they always do.

There are an estimated 12.7 million volunteers nation-wide and those are the people who are the pulse of any community and Red Deer is no exception. Without them many things wouldn’t be possible. Imagine a nursing home or hospital without volunteers. They provide comfort and friendship to help brighten someone’s day. Or imagine a charity event without volunteers – we may not have those types of events without them.

Red Deer has always had a wonderful volunteer-base, but there is always room for more as the need continues to grow. There are numerous opportunities for individuals to get involved as a volunteer. Countless community organizations rely on the support of volunteers to help ensure their operations run smoothly.

Volunteering is an opportunity to give back. We encourage Red Deerians to find an area of interest, look for a volunteer opportunity and help our community continue to thrive.

If you are interested in volunteering, check out www.volunteerreddeer.ca for a number of ways to get involved and help make this already great community even better.