We know volunteers are an important part of our society.
In Oak Bay we are very fortunate to have a core group of volunteers who get things done. From the artists’ studio tours, to the bargain hunters’ delight Garagellenium, to everyone’s favourite weekend of fun the Oak Bay Tea Party, at the heart of these success stories are our volunteers.
With all levels of government cutting back services – along with much-needed funding – we are calling more and more on our volunteers to help fill real needs in our society.
Our school Parent Advisory Councils do more these days than host hot dog days to fund the little extras. They are a clear voice in the direction our educators take, along with fulfilling financial needs previously met by government funding.
Volunteers in our emergency preparedness program help educate residents and offer assistance in times of disasters – both large and small.
Those in the Oak Bay Sea Rescue Society give their time to help out on the waters, providing both safety education and rescue to boaters.
At the Monterey Centre volunteers can be found in a variety of roles, from teaching classes to performing in musicals.
And there are the folks at Oak Bay Volunteer Services who have been visiting, gardening, reading and driving those in our community who are unable for a variety of reasons for more than 35 years.
It is people like Eric Nielsen (Please see the story on page A1) who, by volunteering to file taxes for those who cannot afford to pay an accountant, or who are intimidated by the process, gives back to the community in a way that many would not think of as a volunteer position. By offering his time and skill, he helps others have peace of mind they might not otherwise find.
We all need to thank the volunteers in our community and better yet, stand up beside them and offer our services to make Oak Bay the best that it can be.
