The Town of St. Alban’s recently held its first Volunteer Appreciation Night at the community gymnasium. Approximately 90 people were in attendance representing a large number of groups that volunteer and are committed to their community. Deputy Mayor, Ann Crant welcomed everyone to the evening.
“Our town has wonderful volunteers which include people of all ages, all of whom are committed to helping out. The combined contributions of all our volunteers include countless hours of their precious time, given unselfishly to help others and promote community growth,” stated Ms. Crant.
“There is no better feeling of accomplishment than the feeling one has when you walk away from a volunteer project or fundraiser. The end result of this is knowing that we have made a difference in our community. As volunteers, we work together to strengthen our communities and improve lives. We do this with a great sense of pride. This is so visible throughout our town.”
MHA Tracey Perry was a guest speaker for the evening and thanked everyone for the important and valued contributions that each individual group makes to their community.
The town accepts nominations and honours a volunteer each year for their hard work and dedication to volunteering. This year Ms. Christine Farrell was chosen to be the 2012 Volunteer of the Year. Christine has been volunteering since 1973 and is still volunteering full time.
She volunteers with the Ladies Auxiliary, Branch 53 and is president of the Ladies Auxiliary, Newfoundland and Labrador. She organizes events for both seniors and kids in the community. She also helps out during events such as card games, bingo, and at lunches with Santa and during Easter activities.
Christine has been very involved with the legion and is working on the Veterans Museum and Lest we Forget booklet. She spends countless hours organizing Memorial services for the Veterans.
For the past 17 years, Christine has volunteered to raise money for the Children’s Wish Foundation. She has assisted Mom’s for Play with cold plate fundraisers and was there to do her part on build day last year. She is a member of the St. Alban’s Heritage Society, Tidy Towns, volunteers at the local Cancer benefit, and St. Ignatius Parish as a reader, cantor and choir member.
Her past record for volunteering has been outstanding and she was among the leaders of our community to re-establish the First Girl Guide Program and then volunteered as a Brownie Leader, and later became a Cub leader and CI officer with the Cadets. Ms. Farrell is presently preparing to chaperone the Student Exchange Group on their SEVEC trip to Alberta.
Ms. Farrell was a wonderful choice for this award. Congratulations to Christine Farrell on receiving the 2012 Volunteer of the year award. The St. Alban’s Town Council presented her with a beautiful moose antler carving by Clyde Drew.
Ms. Farrell was very honoured by and thankful for the award. She said, “Volunteering is very rewarding and it’s satisfying to know you did something to please other people, whether they be kids or seniors.” She also stated that she felt her greatest feat of volunteerism was her lifetime commitment to the adoption and raising of two children.
Every minute you give is a precious gift and very much appreciated by someone. “
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