For me, my love of volunteering all started when my kids and I attended the local community fair, just days after first moving to our town.
That afternoon brought back a lot of memories for me, especially in the fair’s exhibit hall where I saw wonderful displays of so many crafts and things that reminded me of my childhood. My mom was raised on a farm with lots of siblings and not a lot of money. She had to learn to bake and can, sew and mend, knit as well as keep up with the farm chores. I recall growing up with her delicious homemade pies and donuts, canned vegetables and fresh bread.
As a child growing up, my mom made all my clothes. It was to my dismay when I went to school that they weren’t quite the same fashion that the other kids were wearing, but I didn’t dare complain.
We were very comfortable, living in a nice neighbourhood in a house that my dad had built that always had a vegetable garden and fruit trees in the yard for us to enjoy.
Being at the community fair that day brought back feelings of home and a place where I could belong. So after the fair ended, I contacted the organizers to see if I could volunteer — and I have been involved with the fair ever since!
Ask another volunteer and they will tell you a similar story about a ‘connection’ for them that made them want to be involved and volunteer with the group they are with.
Volunteering connects you to others. It is fun and provides fulfillment and satisfaction.
There are many organizations needing people to keep their programs and events going. This is why Langley Volunteers was created. It is a newly formed society that can help you find a volunteer opportunity that is just right for you, like the ‘community fair’ was just right for me.
Whether it is helping with a local sports team, visiting seniors, doing work at an animal shelter, volunteering at the hospital or providing information to visitors at an event, volunteering is good for the soul – it’s also good for the group you choose to work with.
Langley Volunteers is an independent society run entirely by volunteers.
The board of directors consists of long-time Langley volunteers, with varied experiences in all aspects of volunteering and, as an added bonus, some of its directors are new to Canada and thus they can help reach out to the new immigrants and refugees in our community.
Everyone is invited to a ‘Meet and Greet’ hosted by Langley Volunteers, at Douglas Recreation Centre in Langley on Saturday, April 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.
It is an opportunity to mingle with a variety of existing Langley volunteers, non-profit organizations and event planners.
Come and find out what volunteer opportunities there may be for you that will bring out your special feeling of wanting to be involved and to be giving of your time.
Please contact us if you would like more information.
Website: www.langleyvolunteers.ca,
email info@LangleyVolunteers.ca
or call 604-897-7278.
-by KAREN LONG, special to The Aldergrove Star
