Volunteers appreciated

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

Strathmore Town Council has officially proclaimed April 24-30 to be National Volunteer Appreciation Week, following a recommendation from administration.

“It’s an important part of our town’s recognition of the many volunteers that we have. Our community benefits from over 70,000 hours of volunteering every year,” said Jamie Dougdale, part of the town administration. 

This year’s National Volunteer Appreciation Week will be hosted by the Strathmore Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), with the theme being “volunteering is empathy in action.”

According to administration, this theme affirms a strong connection between volunteerism and empathy. 

By proclaiming the week as national volunteer week in Strathmore, the local community joins with others across the country in celebrating volunteers.

“Our community has benefited for over a hundred years from volunteer efforts like these. Our Stampede, Historical Society and Minor Hockey rely on volunteers,” said Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Scoble, in administration’s report to council regarding the proclamation. 

Councilor Melissa Langmaid made the motion to accept town administration’s recommendation that National Volunteer Appreciation week be adopted in the Town of Strathmore. 

Langmaid’s motion was carried without opposition by fellow councilors.

Standing in for Mayor Pat Fule, Deputy Mayor Jason Montgomery made the proclamation following council’s decision to pass Councilor Langmaid’s motion. 

Volunteer Canada has released a package regarding how celebrating municipalities can show their support during the week. 

Strathmore’s local FCSS has yet to release a statement regarding what is planned over the duration of Volunteer Appreciation Week.