Westbank Salvation Army honours volunteers for National Volunteer Week – Okanagan | 24CA News
April 16 to 22 marks National Volunteer Week, and The Salvation Army in Westbank, B.C., is internet hosting occasions and actions all week lengthy to say thanks to all who make their mission doable.
“If we don’t have the resources and the volunteerism, it just means we do less in the community,” mentioned Salvation Army corps officer Rob Henson.
“It’s because of the volunteers that we do what we do.”
The day started with a speech from Henson, thanking everybody for his or her arduous work and dedication, adopted by an unveiling of a show case on the retailer’s entrance counter, that includes footage of the volunteers, together with charms, jewels and quotes in regards to the impression and worth every individual brings.
“We’re just trying to honour and celebrate these people the best way we can,” Henson mentioned.
“I just want to say thank you, and you make a difference.”
The Salvation Army’s volunteers in Westbank contribute in a wide range of methods, from serving to out across the thrift retailer to helping outreach applications for youth and seniors, and even operating the Emergency Disaster Services program, however Henson says there’s a whole lot of work that goes unnoticed.
“I think some of our volunteers — valuable ones, too — are ones that are working behind the scenes,” mentioned Henson.
“Doing some of the administration that we need, serving our public and not getting any notoriety, just going about their daily jobs and making a difference. We can’t thank them enough.”
There are greater than 50 volunteers who work often on the Westbank Salvation Army. Dennis Unrau devotes a number of days per week to serving to within the receiving division and says making a distinction in his group is what he loves about his function with the group.
“It’s because of the end result of helping people in the community, so that’s what brings me here,” mentioned Unrau.
“It’s not so much even what I do, but what the end result will be. But I enjoy meeting the people as we receive things and taking things out of their cars and just talking to people.”
Ada Leekie, one other volunteer, says she’s happy with what she and her group have achieved and provides that it feels good to be honoured for his or her arduous work.
“I would still do it even if I wasn’t honoured, so it’s just an extra bonus but it makes a person feel special and valued,” Leekie mentioned.
Leekie moved to the Okanagan three years in the past throughout the pandemic and says shifting right here and changing into a volunteer has allowed her to make life-long friendships.
“After work we meet up for games, coffee or go for a walk,” mentioned Leekie.
“It’s a great way to meet people. We moved here during COVID, and it was hard to get to know people, and this has really helped us.”
The Westbank Salvation Army is at all times searching for volunteers. If you have an interest, go to their thrift retailer situated at 3531 Old Okanagan Hwy.
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