COVID-19 is keeping volunteers at home these days, but the Nanaimo RCMP is applauding its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25.
According to an RCMP press release issued Tuesday, Nanaimo RCMP’s volunteers man Speed Watch operations, conduct patrols in high crime areas, help with distracted driving campaigns, assist with the Project 529 Garage bike theft prevention program and man police community program kiosks at major annual community events, such as Canada Day celebrations.
“The RCMP in B.C. would like to shine a spotlight on those individuals volunteering in our detachments across the province and to salute those who help by staying home to protect themselves and their communities during this challenging time,” said Janet Strachan, RCMP deputy commissioner, in the press release. “This s a coast-to-coast celebration of the commitment, dedication, generosity and selflessness of Canada’s almost 13 million volunteers. This year’s theme, ‘It’s time to applaud this country’s volunteers, is a sentiment I share whole-heartedly.”
Nanaimo RCMP detachment counts on its 35 volunteers, which includes its auxiliary police officers, throughout the year, plus an estimated 14,500 people in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Cedar and Cinnabar who now participate in Nanaimo RCMP’s Block Watch program, an ancillary volunteer program of the RCMP detachment.
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.”The Nanaimo RCMP value each and every individual who volunteer their time and strengthen our community though their continued service. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ Thank you for everything you do, day in and day out. Your efforts are noticed and appreciated.”
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