I hope everyone is doing well. It has been a couple months since the last post. Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to connect via Twitter or Instagram (@tiben12). Since the last blog I was trying to come with a good topic. While the top of my list was “Ode to the Screamer” (if you haven’t had one you need to visit Mr. G and give it a try. How can you go wrong with a Slurpee mixed with soft serve ice cream?). I decided to share with you some reflections of my past six years serving as a Director and President of Volunteer Prince George (VPG).
What is Volunteer Prince George? We are a recruitment and referral agency serving Prince George and area since 1991. We provide services such as helping members promote their organization to the community, helping match potential volunteers to an organization that interests them, offering training workshops for not-for-profit staff and volunteers, and providing support to the more than 100 local non-profit organizations. You can learn more at www.volunteerpg.com
It has been quite the journey over the past six years and I look back with no regrets. The time and energy given by our community members truly does create change and builds a stronger, happier Prince George. VPG is an organization that I believe in and will support long after my term on the board is finished. Why? Volunteering is a large part of my life and the life of Prince George. As I mentioned in my last post, not only has Prince George been recently branded as “The Volunteer City” because volunteering is “in our nature”, but also the stats show just how much volunteerism is part of our community. Prince George has the highest percentage of volunteers per capita in the province (2008, BC State of Volunteering Report, updated in 2015).
This past April we celebrated National Volunteer Week. During this week I put the following statement on my work Facebook page. “I Volunteer because _____________”. Here are some of the thirty-two answers we received:
“It makes my heart happy!” “It makes me feel like I can make the world a tiny bit better.” “I get to spend time with my daughter instead of watching from the stands.” “Because I like to help others. And I wanna make my world a better place for my nieces.” “Because I know what it’s like to need help, so volunteering is my way of showing my appreciation and how grateful I am.”
No matter the reason why people volunteer I love that our community is so giving. I have said it before and I will say it again. The people in Prince George is the number one reason why I chose to live, work, play and raise a family in Prince George.
If you are interested in getting involved there are opportunities to meet your experience, availability and passion. I encourage you to check out the Volunteer Prince George website or connect on Facebook and learn just how easy it is to meet new people, make a difference and have fun.
My name is Tim and I volunteer because Prince George has helped me reach my dreams and I want to ensure others have the opportunity to reach theirs!
Until next time,
All the best.
