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Volunteer fair scheduled for Saturday

National Volunteer Week promoted on April 27 at Sooke Community Hall

Did you know the Sooke Region, with its population of approximately 12,000, is home to over 160 volunteer supported organizations? These include our volunteer fire department, sports teams, religious organizations, school Parent Advisory Councils, search and rescue, and the Sooke Food Bank, just to name a few.

April typically marks National Volunteer Week.  Now in its 71st year, National Volunteer Week is all about volunteer recognition. This year’s celebration takes place the week of April 21 to 27, 2013.  National Volunteer Week pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who graciously donate their time and talents to our communities.

NVW began in 1943 to draw attention to the vital contribution women made to the war effort on the home front. Although NVW was largely forgotten after the war ended, it experienced a revival in the late 1960s when organizations stressed the importance of thanking volunteers across Canada. NVW was reinstated and has since grown to become the largest celebration of civic participation in Canada.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, the Sooke Region Volunteer Centre has planned a Volunteer Fair, taking place on Saturday April 27, from 12-4 p.m. at the Sooke Community Hall. This will be a fun event with activities for children,  including the Sooke Fire Department’s Bounce House, demonstrations by arts groups, including a preview of Sooke Harbour Players’ Fawlty Towers at 2 p.m., and food and fun for the whole family.

“This Volunteer Fair will be a great opportunity for members of the public to come to one place and see what is available in our community, perhaps they will connect with a group and decide to volunteer, or perhaps they will learn of an organization that may be able to help them in some way,” said Johanne Thompson, Coordinator of the Sooke Regional Volunteer Centre.  “The energy and generosity of people in the Sooke Region continues to astound me.”

The theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week is: “Volunteers cast a beautiful shadow.”

“A shadow,” said Thompson, “is typically something that follows behind us. I would like to be an example of a good citizen, a leader, someone who gives back to my community even in a small way and leave that legacy to my children. That is what makes Sooke such a great place to call home.”

If you are working with an agency and would like to take part in our survey, or upcoming Volunteer Fair, or if you are an individual wanting to volunteer, please contact Johanne Thompson, Volunteer Coordinator at 250-514-8865 or volunteersooke@gmail.com, or see our website at sookeregionresources.com.

Submitted by Johanne Thompson